One soldier, five IS militants killed in foiled attack against troops in Salahuddin

Salahuddin (IraqiNews.com) One soldier, five Islamic State militants were killed, while others were injured as an attack against security troops in Tuz Khurmatu region, east of Salahuddin province, was foiled, security source said.

“IS militants launched early on Thursday a fierce attack against security troops at Bir Ahmed region in Tuz Khurmatu,” the source told Alghad Press.

Joint troops of “army, police and paramilitary troops were able to thwart the attack forcing the fighters to escape after killing and injuring some of them,” the source added.

“An army soldier was killed, while two others were slightly injured. Other police personnel were wounded,” according to the source. “Five IS members were killed, while others were injured as the attack was foiled.”

The province has seen an escalation in IS attacks against Iraqi government forces and allied al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units).

Despite recapturing large areas of the province since the group emerged in 2014, observers believe the group could still pose a security threat.

IS has stepped up attacks against civilians, security forces and PMUs across Iraq since Iraqi government troops, backed by a U.S.-led coalition, launched an offensive in October to retake the city of Mosul.