Iraqi troops destroy 10 hotbeds for Islamic State in Iraq’s Samarra
An Iraqi solider waves the “V” victory sign following a great triumph over the Islamic State group
Salahuddin (Iraqinews.com) – Iraqi troops raided on Thursday several sites of Islamic State militant group in Samarra city, Salahuddin.
“A force from Samarra Operations Command launched a military operation in al-Zawraa area, west of Samarra, managing to destroy 10 hotbeds of Islamic State and detonating five explosive charges,” spokesman for the Iraqi Security Media Council Brig. Gen. Yehia Rassol told Alghad Press website.
“The troops also arrested two other suspects in al-Abbassiyah district in Samarra,” Rassol pointed out.
The Islamic State group appeared on the international scene in 2014 when it seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring the establishment of an Islamic “caliphate” from Mosul city.
Later on, the group has become notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings, prompting the U.S. to lead an international coalition to destroy it.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared last December final victory over Islamic State three years after the militant group captured about a third of Iraq’s territory.
In a speech during the international media conference held at the journalists syndicate in Baghdad on Saturday, December 9, Abadi said, “Our troops gained full control on the Iraqi-Syrian borders. We announce the end of war against Islamic State.”