Four Islamic State members killed in shelling, north of Salahuddin

Salahuddin (IraqiNews.com) Four Islamic State militants targeted by shelling were killed in north of Salahuddin province, the pro-government paramilitary troops said.

“The 29th brigade targeted a gathering of militants at al-Zawya crossroads in north of Salahuddin,” the media service of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said in a statement on Sunday.

“The shelling left four militants killed and a vehicle burnt,” it added.

Pivotal regions that link between each of Diyala, Salahuddin and Kirkuk, are still held by the militants which poses threats to the liberated regions. Iraqi troops are urged to prevent the militants infiltration between Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces, especially the regions stretching along Hamreen mountains and Al-Azeem town.

The government is expected to launch military offensives at the few remaining IS havens, including in Salahuddin.

The group has been actively engaged in the Iraqi government’s war against IS, and claimed full control over Iraq’s borders with Syria, but has been operating only on ground with air support from the Iraqi army warplanes.

PMUs, an alliance of more than 60 mostly Shia militias, are recognized by the government as a national force under the Prime Minister’s command after an edict from Iraq’s top Shia clergy was made in 2014 ordering their formation to counter IS militants.