Seven IS members killed as troops repel attack near Iraqi-Syrian borders

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Seven Islamic State members were killed as paramilitary troops foiled an attack near borders between Iraq and Syria on Thursday.

A statement by the media service of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said, “troops of the 29th brigade managed on Thursday to repulse an attack by IS against units in Tal Sufuk, on Iraqi-Syrian borders.”

“The troops killed seven militants and burnt a vehicle. The remaining attackers ran away,” the statement added.

Despite declaring the victory over IS in Mosul, the group’s former bastion in Iraq, observers say IS is believed to constitute a security threat even after the group’s defeat at its main havens across Iraqi provinces.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared, in July, victory over IS militants who had held the second largest Iraqi city since 2014. More than 25000 militants were killed throughout the campaign, which started in October 2016.

Having recaptured Hawija in Kirkuk, Mosul and Tal Afar in Nineveh and Annah and Qaim towns in Anbar, Iraqi troops still have only Rawa remaining under the militants control.

The war against IS has so far displaced at least five million people. Thousands of others fled toward neighboring countries including Syria, Turkey and other European countries, since IS emerged to proclaim its self-styled “caliphate”.