Islamic State attacker killed at police checkpoint in eastern Mosul: ministry
FILE PHOTO: A member of Iraqi rapid response forces carries his weapon, in western Mosul, Iraq, June 3, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani – RTX38TUN
Mosul (IraqiNews.com) An Islamic State gunman was killed by Iraqi security forces after attacking a checkpoint in the eastern side of Mosul, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
The militant, who attacked the checkpoint at Nabi Yunus market, was carrying a pistol and two grenades, said the ministry.
Since the Iraqi government declared early July the recapture of Mosul, Islamic State’s former capital in Iraq, police forces have been combing both sides of the city for sleeper militant cells and munition hiding places. The militants have also launched a few sporadic attacks against troops and civilians since the declaration.
The Iraqi government intends to aim at other Islamic State havens in Anbar, Kirkuk and Salahuddin once it is done with retaking Tal Afar, Islamic State’s last stronghold in Nineveh which the Defense Ministry had completed preparations for invading. The Defense Ministry said recently it was waiting for orders to launch operations for the enclave. So far, operations by pro-government militias, the Popular Mobilization, have isolated the town from Mosul and from the Syrian borders, and retook several surrounding villages.