BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) — Major Iraqi cities are likely to witness a surge in terror attacks as extremist groups retaliate to continued defeats on the frontline, an Iraqi security expert said on Monday.
The recent escalation of suicide attacks has killed nearly 100 people in Baghdad and Muqdadiyah. Experts say the attacks show that extremist groups are being pushed from the battlefield to urban areas as Iraqi security forces retake lands from their hands.
“The suicide attacks will continue. Extremist groups will suffer more defeats at the front line and, consequently, they will ramp up attacks in cities. This is their response. Extremists are skilled at using (terror attacks) as a weapon to slaughter civilians, and they will continue to use them. However, this also proves that they are being defeated on the battlefield,” said Abdel Krim, an Iraqi security expert.
The extremist groups also want to use terror attacks to stop Iraqi security forces from focusing on campaigns to regain Mosul, said Krim. However, their attempt will fail as the security forces deployed in major cities like Baghdad are strong enough to safeguard their cities, he added.
“The security forces in Baghdad are adequate for safeguarding the city. There is no need to draw backup troops from the front line. I think the extremist groups will be defeated in military campaigns, but they will continue to launch suicide attacks without cease unless Iraq quickly establishes an efficient intelligence network,” he said.
The Iraqi security forces are rallying around the northern city of Mosul to prepare for an offensive against the extremist groups in the city.
