Four IS militants killed in army airstrikes in northeastern Diyala

Diyala (IraqiNews.com) Four Islamic State militants have been killed in airstrikes by Iraqi jets, northeast of Diyala, a commander was quoted saying on Friday.

“Iraqi fighter jets targeted an IS vehicle near Hamreen lake, northeast of Baquba, killing four militants on board and destroying the vehicle completely,” Maj. Gen. Mazhar al-Azzawi, commander of Dijla Operations, told AlSumaria News.

“Efforts by the command are ongoing to eradicate IS sleeper cells in the town,” Azzawi added.

Iraqi jets destroyed several IS vehicles and rest houses in Hamreen over the past few weeks.

In related news, Azzawi said all roads in the province, indicating stable security situations.

“All roads in Diyala, including Kirkuk-Baghdad road, are open. No roads are blocked,” he said.
Attacks launched by Islamic State militants against security troops, the pro-government forces and civilians surged over the past few weeks in northeast of Diyala, which urge the Iraqi forces to prevent the militants infiltration between Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces, especially the regions stretching along Hamreen mountains and Al-Azeem town.

IS holds pivotal regions that link between each of Diyala, Salahuddin and Kirkuk, posing threats to the liberated regions.

The government and military commanders are expected to wage operations at other IS havens across the country, including Diyala, in order to mark an end to the group’s self-styled “caliphate” declared by the group in 2014.