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ISIS continues to expand its influence in the western Iraqi province of al-Anbar, mainly along a strategic international highway that links the country’s capital, Baghdad, with both the Jordanian capital, Amman, and the Syrian capital, Damascus.
On April 8, the terrorist group’s cells stormed a gas station located the town of Rutba, right on the international highway.
ISIS tried justify to justify the attack by claiming that the fuel station is owned by a member of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units. However, the real motive behind the terrorist group’s attack was looting.
The Amaq news agency released on April 12 several photos showing the group’s terrorists looting the fuel station during the attack. The terrorists also set three trucks on fire, likely because they couldn’t steal them.
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ISIS cells have been very active along the international highway. On February 24, the terrorists ambushed two vehicles of the Iraqi military near the 20 Kilometer and 40 Kilometer points, both located to the east of Rutba. On March 3, the terrorists targeted a post of the Iraqi military near the 120 Kilometer point, to the east of Rutba. They also attacked two Humvee armored vehicles which were passing on the highway. On March 19, the terrorists attacked engineering equipment of the Iraqi military near Rutba.
ISIS cells are apparently attempting to establish a stronghold in Rutba and nearby areas along the international highway.
Iraqi government forces are yet to take serious measures to secure the international highway. The lack of any real reaction from government forces will likely encourage ISIS cells to develop their operations and expand their presence along the highway.
The once mighty ISIS now reduced to pilfering and playing at highway bandits. How the mighty have fallen, and not before time.
The one that is blocked by the US military at Al Tanf? Any coincidence? No!