2 Iraqi army commandos killed in eastern Salahuddin blast

Salahuddin (IraqiNews.com) Two Iraqi army commandos died on Monday in an IED explosion east of Salahuddin, said a local official.

Four other personnel were also wounded in the attack that targeted a commandos patrol in Tuz Khurmatu, according to the precinct’s municipal official, Shalla Abdol.

Nobody claimed responsibility for the attack, but security forces and civilians in the region have been occasionally targeted by Islamic State militants.

Iraqi government forces, tribal militias and US-led air forces have been in battles with IS at several cities held by the group since it declared a self-styled Islamic “caliphate” in 2014. Forces are currently waging a decisive campaign against the group’s last outstanding stronghold in Mosul, the recapture of which will be a killer blow to the group’s existence in the country.

IS still maintains other less significant hideouts in Kirkuk, Salahuddin and Anbar, which security officials say will be targeted by joint government and tribal campaigns under preparation.