Ansar al-Islam Flees, But Not Gone

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) forces — with the help of U.S. aerial support and Special Forces units — have driven back militant Islamic group Ansar al-Islam from mountain strongholds in northeastern Iraq. Jointly attacking Ansar has solidified U.S.-PUK cooperation and was a necessary step before further joint operations in the western and southern sections of the northern front can take place. However, with the support of regional powers, the group might return to cause more trouble for the PUK and U.S. occupation forces.