Kurdistan Region, Iraq - May 31, 2024

Storyline:
The Kurdish Peshmerga's Black Tiger Camp, stationed in the mountainous regions of northern Iraq, has been engaged in a decade-long fight against extremist groups, demonstrating resilience and sacrifice since 2014.

In northern Iraq, specifically in the border regions of Erbil, Mosul, and Kirkuk, local counter-terrorism forces have reported ongoing activities by remnants of extremist groups. The area, once a battleground for intense clashes in 2014, continues to face threats from these elements.

Despite the Iraqi government's declaration of victory against the extremist groups in December 2017, their remnants still remain active, particularly in Mosul and other northern regions.

The Kurdish Peshmerga, the elite security forces of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, have been instrumental in combating these extremist factions. For a decade, from 2014 to the present, the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters have been on the front lines of the anti-terror campaign in northern Iraq.

The Black Tiger Camp, a specialized unit formed during the Peshmerga's anti-terrorist operations, has been at the forefront of these efforts.

Brigadier General Srud Salih, leader of the Makhmour Black Tiger Camp of the Peshmerga forces, shared their ongoing battle against extremism.

At the Black Tiger base, a display of armored vehicles and modified vehicles equipped with improvised explosive devices, captured during the fight against the extremist groups, serves as a testament to the conflict. Armored vehicles once driven by anti-terrorist fighters now stand as a memorial, with their bullet-marked windows serving a stark reminder of the battles fought.

The commander explained that the welded doors were a measure to prevent attackers from fleeing in fear during the attack, highlighting the extreme methods employed by the extremist groups.

The US-led international coalition forces have invested significant manpower and resources in the military campaign against the extremist groups. However, a decade later, the remnants of the groups continue to pose a threat to the security of northern Iraq, hiding in the mountains that separate the counter-terrorism forces.

Throughout the decade-long struggle, the Kurdish Peshmerga counter-terrorism forces have made considerable efforts and sacrifices.

Shotlist:
Kurdistan Region, Iraq - May 31, 2024:
1. Kurdish flag;
2. Various of car entering military base;
3. Various of flags;
4. Shoulder badge;
5. Interview in progress;
6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Srud Salih, commander, Makhmour Black Tiger Camp (ending with shot 7):
"The extremist groups launched an attack on Kurdish Peshmerga forces, capturing the towns of Makhmur and Al-Kuwair. After that, they have seized large quantities of weapons from the security forces and have launched attacks using suicide bombings and car bombings.";
7. Various of armored vehicles; bullet-hit window;
8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Srud Salih, commander, Makhmour Black Tiger Camp:
"Our battalion destroyed a total of 25 suicide bomber cars during the anti-terrorist operations. These cars, you see, with welded doors, are part of that legacy.";
9. Various of damaged vehicle;
10. Various of mountain view, road;
11. Various of soldiers ;
12. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Srud Salih, commander, Makhmour Black Tiger Camp (ending with shot 13):
"During the anti-terrorist operations, the extremist groups fired 900 to 1,000 shells at the security forces daily. They have also used banned chemical weapons. In total, our battalion has lost 179 soldiers, with another 831 wounded.";
13. Various of soldier at post.

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