Islamic State militants killed in ambush by Iraqi troops, east of Salahuddin
Popular Mobilization Forces
In a statement, the media service said, “troops of the 52nd brigade set up an ambush for the militants after information from the intelligence showed they were passing on motorbikes on Sarha bridge, near Tuz Khurmatu.”
Troops, according to the statement, “opened fire against the militants, inflicting losses in lives. Some other militants managed to escape to unknown destination.”
Moreover, Ali al-Husseini, spokesperson for the troops in the northern axis, denied news on confrontations between the members and the troops in Tuz Khurmatu.
Speaking to Baghdad Today website, Husseini said, “no confrontations with IS in Tuz Khurmatu. The news published in media are untrue.”
Earlier today, the Kurdish TV channel Kurdistan 24 quoted a security source as saying that bloody confrontations occurred between the militants and troops in Suleiman Bek and Jabbara villages, south of Kirkuk.
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.
In December, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. However, Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.