Russian IS leader, among others killed in air raids southwestern Kirkuk

Kirkuk (IraqiNews.com) Nine Islamic State leaders were killed in air raids launched by the U.S.-led Coalition, southwest of Kirkuk, a local source was quoted saying.

“Coalition jets shelled on Saturday an IS location at al-Rommana village, Hawija, southwest of Kirkuk. Several leaders were inside,” the source told AlSumaria News. “Preliminary information indicates murder of around nine IS members including a Russian national leader known as Abu Moslem al-Russi, who recently moved from Nineveh to Hawija town.”

The source, who preferred anonymity, said several vehicles of the group were destroyed due to the airstrikes.

Pivotal regions that link between each of Diyala, Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces are still held by the Islamic State posing threats to the liberated regions.

Hawija and other neighboring regions, west of Kirkuk, have been held by IS since mid-2014, when the group emerged to proclaim an Islamic “caliphate” in Iraq and Syria. The group executed dozens of civilians and security members there, forcing thousands to flee homes.

Dozens of residents from Hawija and the regions in its vicinity escape to Kirkuk province on a daily basis. Despite the risky routes to the freed regions, the civilians prefer death to staying under IS control.