Six Islamic State militants killed in repelled attack in Kirkuk

Kirkuk (IraqiNews.com) Six Islamic State militants were killed after their attack on al-Hawija town, Kirkuk, was repelled, a security source said.

“Six IS militants launched an attack on security forces and al-Hashd al-Shaabi in the desert area in Hawija, but their attack was foiled,” the source told IKH News on Tuesday.

“Security forces killed all IS attackers,” the source said, adding that the security situation in Hawija is now under control.

In October, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared that Iraqi troops recaptured Hawija, a main town held by Islamic State in the country.

The town fell to IS in June 2014, when the militant group seized control of much of northern and western Iraq and proclaimed the creation of a self-styled “caliphate”. There, Islamic State’s reign forced thousands to flee to refugee camps, while hundreds had been executed by the group for attempting to escape the area or contacting security forces.

Iraq declared the fall of all areas held by the Islamic State on November 17th, when troops took over Rawa, a main haven west of Anbar province.

The government, however, says it will not declare a final victory until troops conclude an undergoing operation to clear desert areas falling between Salahuddin, Nineveh and Anbar provinces from militants’ vestiges.