Kirkuk: Major General Saleh Haraz, the Kirkuk Operations Commander, has confirmed the ongoing operations to clear the Zgheiton Valley, a known ISIS stronghold strategically located between the Kirkuk and Salah al-Din governorates. The operations focus on removing reeds, sediments, and other obstructions, contributing to the broader security effort in the region. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the clearing operations in Zgheiton Valley are a collaborative effort involving the Directorate of Water Resources and the Directorate of Maintenance of Irrigation and Drainage Projects in Kirkuk. Major General Haraz highlighted the government's commitment to these efforts, aimed at supporting the security forces maintaining control on the ground. He emphasized the significant role of the Ministry of Water Resources staff in the province, whose cooperation has been pivotal in the ongoing campaign. The initiative not only seeks to dismantle the physical stronghold of ISIS in the area but also aims to restore v ital water resources and infrastructure, crucial for the local communities and agricultural activities. The operations are a critical part of the broader strategy to secure and stabilize regions previously under the control of ISIS, ensuring safety and rebuilding the infrastructure necessary for the residents' return to normalcy.