Five IS militants killed as paramilitary troops repulse attack, west of Mosul
Pro-Iraqi government paramilitary forces, al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units)
“Troops of al-Hashd al-Shaabi [Popular Mobilization Forces] managed to repulse an attack by IS, killing five members in Baaj, west of Mosul,” the source told Baghdad Today.
“Troops were deployed at borders of the town fearing further attacks,” the source added.
Last week, news reports said tight security measures were taken in Mosul after a victim’s body was found with Islamic State slogans threatening security personnel and promising return of the caliphate. Four policemen were reportedly killed as IS militants attacked a police patrol in al-Yaarabiya district. Another attack occurred at al-Islah al-Zera’i district, when confrontations occurred between police and the militants, who ran away then.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi declared in July victory over IS militants who had held the second largest Iraqi city since 2014. More than 25,000 Islamic State militants were killed throughout the campaign. Earlier this month, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.
Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition and paramilitary troops, have been fighting since October 2016 to retake territories Islamic State had occupied.
The war against IS has displaced nearly five million people, with tens of thousands of civilians and militants killed since the launch of the offensives to recapture occupied cities.