Islamic State members killed as Iraqi jets carry out airstrike, west of Anbar

Anbar (IraqiNews.com) Several Islamic State members were killed in an airstrike that targeted hideouts of the militant group, west of Anbar, a security source from the paramilitary troops in the province said on Wednesday.

Speaking to Almaalomah website, the source said, “the army jets shelled two hideouts of Islamic State in the desert of Rutba town, west of Ramadi, leaving many militants, including foreigners, killed.”

The shelling, according to the source, “destroyed a rest house and many vehicles and equipments.”

Thousands of IS militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition, was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group.

In December, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. However, Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

As many as 3,298 civilians were killed and 4,781 others were wounded in 2017, excluding Anbar civilian casualty figures for November and December, which are not available, UNAMI said in a report in December.

The war against IS has displaced at least five million people.