Pro-govt forces kill three Islamic State militants in Iraq

Diyala (IraqiNews.com) – Three Islamic State militants were killed on Sunday during a security campaign in Mutibijah border area between Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, a security source was quoted as saying.

“A force from al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) managed to kill three IS militants before fleeing towards desert areas in Mutibijah border area between Diyala and Salahuddin provinces,” the source told Almaalomah website.

The source noted that the security forces and PMFs are determined to continue their efforts to dislodge Islamic State militants from Mutibijah.

Islamic State declared a self-styled “caliphate” in a third of Iraq and neighboring Syria in 2014. A government campaign, backed by a U.S.-led international coalition and paramilitary forces, was launched in 2016 to retake IS-held regions, managing to retake all havens, most notably the city of Mosul, the group’s previously proclaimed capital.

A total of 76 people were killed and 129 others were injured due to acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflicts during the month of June, casualty figures recorded by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses a threat against stability in the country.