IS leader, 12 companions, killed in airstrikes north of Salahuddin

Salahuddin (IraqiNews.com) A senior Islamic State leader was killed, along with his companions, in airstrikes, north of Salahuddin, a security source said.

“Iraqi warplanes waged airstrikes against IS havens in several villages in the western coast of Shirqat town,” the source told Baghdad Today on Thursday.

“The raids destroyed five headquarters and a booby-trapped vehicle as well as killing IS leader, Ali Faraj al-Mardoud, along with 12 of his companions,” the source added.

Earlier this month, news reports indicated unprecedented displacement by IS families from Shirqat toward unknown destinations as liberation offensive nears.

The Iraqi army said in September its forces recaptured the western coast of Shirqat, located south of Mosul, on the west bank of the Tigris river, after being surrounded for months by Iraqi troops and the pro-government Shi’ite militias. The eastern coast of Shirqat, is still under the IS control.

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.