IS intelligence leader killed in armed attack, northern Salahuddin

Salahuddin (IraqiNews.com) An Islamic State leader was killed in an armed attack in north of Salahuddin province, a security source said on Tuesday.

“Unknown gunmen killed on Tuesday IS member known as abu Dajana al-Muhajir in the western side of Shirqat town, north of Salahuddin province,” the source told AlSumaria News. “Muhajir used to be in charge of the group’s intelligence in the so-called ‘Al-Jabal State’, located between Salahuddin and Diyala provinces.”

The official, according to the source, who preferred anonymity, “was a first-line leader in the group. He used to head a senior security position in the so-called ‘Diyala State’.”

At least 170 IS militants were reportedly killed on Monday in airstrikes launched by the Iraqi army jets in the town.

In September, Iraqi army said its forces recaptured the western coast of the town, located south of Mosullies on the west bank of the Tigris river, after being surrounded for months by Iraqi troops and the pro-government Shi’ite militias. The eastern coast of Shirqat, is still under the IS control.

Pivotal regions that link between each of Diyala, Salahuddin and Kirkuk, are still held by the militants posing threats to the liberated regions. IS havens are expected to be targeted by the Iraqi government, after security achieved victory in Mosul, the group’s biggest stronghold in Iraq.