Iraqi troops destroy four IS hotbeds, detonate seven bombs in Diyala
Paramilitary fighters and military vehicles are seen during a military operation to retake positions held by Islamic State militants, on the outskirts of Muqdadiyah in Diyala province, north of Baghdad January 25, 2015. Picture taken January 25, 2015. REUTERS
Diyala (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi security forces destroyed on Tuesday four hotbeds of Islamic State during a security operation in Diyala, a security source was quoted as saying.
Speaking to Mawazin News, the source said that the 24th brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) took part in the operation, which kicked off early today in northeastern Diyala.
“Four Islamic State hideouts were destroyed and seven bombs were detonated during the operation,” added the source.
In January 2015, Iraqi forces announced liberation of Diyala province from Islamic State extremist militants who proclaimed an “Islamic Caliphate” in Iraq and Syria in 2014.
The province has seen months of fighting between Iraqi troops and IS militants especially in the Jalawla and Saadiyah areas in the province’s north and areas near the town of Muqdadiyah.
The Islamic State group appeared on the international scene in 2014 when it seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring the establishment of an Islamic “caliphate” from Mosul city.
Later on, the group has become notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings, prompting the U.S. to lead an international coalition to destroy it.