Paramilitary troops kill two Islamic State fighters, northeastern Diyala

Diyala (IraqiNews.com) Two Islamic State militants were killed in clashes that occurred in northeastern Diyala, the Shia-led paramilitary troops announced.

In a statement on Friday, al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units) said IS fighters attacked a security checkpoint at Imam Wees region, 58 KM northeast of Baqubah, which left two militants killed.

The 110th brigade, according to the statement, targeted IS rest houses in Imam Wees and its vicinity.

On Wednesday, PMUs said six IS militants were killed as a secret meeting for the fighters was shelled in Wadi Thilab region, Naft Khana, northeastern Diyala.

Attacks launched by Islamic State militants against security troops, the pro-government forces and civilians surged over the past few weeks in northeast of Diyala, which urge the Iraqi forces to prevent the militants infiltration between Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces, especially the regions stretching along Hamreen mountains and Al-Azeem town.

IS holds pivotal regions that link between each of Diyala, Salahuddin and Kirkuk, posing threats to the liberated regions.

PMUs, an alliance of more than 60 mostly Shia militias, are recognized by the government as a national force under the Prime Minister’s command.

In May, news reports quoted sources as saying that the extremist group opened alternative headquarters for its so-called “Nineveh State, “Dijlah State”, “Salahuddin State” and “Diyala State” in Hawija.