Two Islamic State members killed as troops repulse attack in Salahuddin

Salahuddin (IraqiNews.com) Two Islamic State members were killed as Iraqi joint troops repulsed an attack in Salahuddin province, a security source was quoted saying on Thursday.

“IS members launched an attack early today near the western coast of Shirqat town,” the source told SNG website.

“Security troops and al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) managed to foil the attack, kill two militants and destroy their two vehicles,” the source said. “Security situation is totally under control in Shirqat.”

Last month, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.

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.

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. Since then, forces took back the group’s former capital, Mosul, the town of Tal Afar, Kirkuk’s Hawija, and Anbar’s Annah, Rawa and Qaim.

The war against IS has so far displaced at least five million people. Thousands of others fled toward neighboring countries including Syria, Turkey and other European countries, since IS emerged to proclaim its self-styled “caliphate”.