Prominent IS leader killed in aerial shelling, northeastern Diyala

Diyala (IraqiNews.com) A prominent Islamic State leader, who has been known for transferring of the group’s weapons and explosives, was killed in aerial shelling in northeast of Diyala, a local source said.

“One of IS main members who used to transfer the weapons, explosives and medicines to the group, was killed in the evening in aerial shelling that targeted his vehicle, which he was driving, along with a close aide, to transfer anti-tank weapons on the road between Bouthja and Kuseiba villages at the outskirts of al-Waqf basin, northeast of Diyala,” the source told Alghad Press on Friday.

The militant, according to the source, used to carry out terrorist crimes for Al-Qaeda.

Earlier on the day, airstrikes targeted an IS haven in northeast of the province.

“Fighter jet shelled a pivotal IS haven in al-Waqf basin,” the source said. “The airstrike was accurate. News indicate death and injury of several militants who were inside.”

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.

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.