Six Islamic State leaders escaping Hawija killed in Diyala: Commander
Iraqi army forces entering Kirkuk to retake the province from Kurdish troops.
“Joint security forces of Dijla Operations Command and al-Hashd al-Shaabi [Popular Mobilization Forces] repelled an infiltration attempt by IS leaders through Sarha region, north of Baquba. Six militants were killed as they were escaping Hawija,” Maj. Gen. Mazhar al-Azzawi told AlSumaria News.
Azzawi indicated that the leadership is determined to end the IS presence and foil attempts of infiltration into liberated regions.
Earlier this month, Iraqi troops regained full control on Hamreen mountains that stretch out between Diyala and Kirkuk provinces, retaking areas between Zgheitoun bridge reaching until al-Fatha bridge, an area that stretches out 45 kilometers with depth of 15 kilometers.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and the Joint Operations Command announced on September 21, the launch of first phase of operations to liberate Hawija and eastern Shirqat, north of Salahuddin. Federal Police, Rapid Response and the pro-government Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) took part in the attack, according to the command.
Iraqi troops managed to retake several IS strongholds including Mosul and Tal Afar in Nineveh, Hawija in Kirkuk and Annah in Anbar. Only Qaim and neighboring Rawa currently remain in IS grip.