Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service
The Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) (Arabic: جهاز مكافحة الارهاب) is an Iraqi security agency tasked with counterterrorism. The Service’s operational arm is called the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) (Arabic: قوات العمليات الخاصة العراقية). They are an elite special operations force composed of three brigades and based in several governorates. During the occupation of Iraq, all military, security and intelligence entities of the country were dissolved by the United States following the issuance of CPA Order 2, and rebuilt from scratch. CTS was created in 2007 and is funded by the Ministry of Defence.[2] The Service played a crucial role in combatting terrorism during the war in Iraq (2013-2017).
Counter Terrorism Service
Iraqi Special Operations Forces
(CTS - ISOF)
- 1950-2003
- Dec 2003 (current form)
- 2007 (CTS)
Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (reports directly to Prime Minister of Iraq)
The Golden Division
"Raise The Black"
Black
Karim Abboud Muhammad[1]
2nd Battalion (ICTF)
3rd Battalion (Support)
5th Battalion (Recon)
1st Special Operations Brigade (ISOF-1) - based in Baghdad often referred to as the Golden Division, previously the Golden Brigade.[16]
2nd Special Operations Brigade (ISOF-2) with units in Mosul, Karbala, Diyala and Al Asad
3rd Special Operations Brigade (ISOF-3) was established in Basra by spring 2013, following an order by the prime minister in January 2012
that the forces expand by an additional brigade. It consisted of regional commando battalions in Basra, Babylon, Najaf, Maysan, Dhi Qar and Muthanna provinces, a recon battalion, and a support battalion.[17] A Special Tactics unit is also maintained.[18]
Academia (formerly 4th battalion, 1st ISOF brigade). It is responsible for screening and training of new recruits for Counter-Terrorism Command (CTC).[19]