Three Islamic State members killed in military operation, southwestern Kirkuk
Iraqi troops drive armored vehicles during a military operation in Iraq
“Joint troops of the Tribal Mobilization Forces and the Federal Police carried out an operation, today, in Tal Eid region in al-Riyad town, southwest of Kirkuk,” the source told Baghdad Today website.
The operation, according to the source, who preferred anonymity, “left three militants killed.”
Earlier today, Brig. Gen. Yahia Rasool, spokesperson for the Security Media Center, was quoted saying that eleven Islamic State militants were killed while trying to storm Gharib and Hanaf villages in southwestern Kirkuk. The clashes also left an Iraqi policeman and a member of the Tribal Mobilization Forces killed.
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.
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 to fight the militant group, which declared a self-styled “caliphate” from Mosul in June 2014.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced, in December, full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.