Twelve IS suicide attackers killed in clashes with paramilitary troops in Mosul

Mosul (IraqiNews.com) Twelve Islamic State suicide attackers were killed in armed attacks in west of Mosul, the media service of the Shia-led pro-government paramilitary troops said.

In a statement issued on Thursday, al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said, “troops of the 13th brigade clashed with fifteen IS suicide attackers in abu Raseen region in Qairawan, west of Mosul.”

The clashes, according to the statement, left twelve militants killed.

In July, Iraqi forces took over the village, which was re-invaded by the militant group just before the government declared victory over the group in the city. Later on July 10, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared 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.

Since the city was declared free, security troops continue to comb western Mosul areas for hidden IS cells.

Despite declaring the victory over IS there in the city, observers say IS is believed to constitute a security threat even after the group’s defeat at its main havens across Iraqi provinces. Other IS havens in Anbar, Kirkuk and Salahuddin are expected to be targeted by the iraqi government soon.