Seven Islamic State members killed in airstrikes, south of Kirkuk

Kirkuk (IraqiNews.com) Seven Islamic State members were killed in an airstrike carried out by Iraqi fighter jets, south of Kirkuk, a security source from the province said on Thursday.

Speaking to AlSumaria News, the source said, “Iraqi jets carried out, today, airstrikes in al-Samaka village and at Wadi al-Shai region in Dakuk, south of Kirkuk.”

The airstrikes, according to the source, who preferred anonymity, “left seven Islamic State members killed and their rest houses destroyed.”

On Wednesday, Three militants were arrested as the pro-government al-hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) thwarted an attempt to kidnap civilians, after the militants sneaked into Dakuk.

Islamic State has resumed its attacks and explosions as well as blocking roads, abducting civilians and security personnel, despite operations carried out across the provinces. The group continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

Thousands of Islamic State militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition was launched in October 2016.

In December, the Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced gaining control on all the territories that were captured by Islamic State, since 2014. However, the group still has dormant cells, through which it carries out attacks, across Iraq like it used to do before 2014.