Dijla Operations Command launches offensive at five regions in Diyala
Iraqi government forces in Hamreen Mountains in Diyala.
“Security troops of police and army, backed by al-Hashd al-Shaabi [Popular Mobilization Units] andal-Hashd al-Ashaeri [tribal mobilization] forces and army jets, launched on Wednesday military operations at three regions to comb five areas is Hamreen basin, in north and northeastern Diyala,” Mag. Gen. Mazhar al-Azzawi, told Alghad Press.
“The troops will raid Islamic State havens in Hamreen including Anjana, Sarha, Qurret Tabah, Jisr Narin and Ain Laila,” he said adding that the outcome of the operations will be declared over the coming few hours.
According to Azzawi, the operations “come within the leadership strategy to eradicate shelters of the extremist groups in Diyala.”
Several offensives were launched over the past few months in eastern and northeastern regions in Diyala. Earlier this month, the command launched offensives at four regions of al-Nada basin, Hamreen, Wadi Thilab and Tilal Qazlaq in the province.
IS still holds a few areas in Salahuddin, Diyala, Anbar and Kirkuk, occasionally using them as launching points for its attacks against civilians and security. The Iraqi government is currently employing most of its military power in a major campaign to drive IS out of Mosul, its largest stronghold in Iraq.