Despite a lack of close coordination with Peshmerga, federal security forces started an offensive to retake the IS group's last major stronghold in northern Iraq.

Iraqi forces are advancing toward Ana, Rawa and al-Qaim – an operation that promises to clear the last major IS strongholds in Anbar province and reclaim the Akkas gas field.

Production is unaffected, and the police chief says local residents are reacting to belief that oil operations are responsible for recent earthquakes.

Despite losing Mosul, IS militants continue a steady stream of guerilla-style operations throughout northern Iraq, targeting oil infrastructure, local leaders, and rural villages.

From one of their last strongholds in Iraq, IS militants continue to launch deadly attacks, including recent attempts to bomb the Bai Hassan oil field.