Military operation launched against IS northeast of Diyala: Official
Iraqi government forces in Hamreen Mountains in Diyala.
Diyala (IraqiNews.com) A military operation has been launched to drive the Islamic State militants out of the northeastern regions in Diyala province, Ahmed Hussein al-Tamimi, a leader from al-Hashd al-Shaabi troops (Popular Mobilization Units), said on Thursday.
Speaking to Alghadpress, Tamimi said “a joint military operation of army, police, al-Hashd al-Shaabi, backed by the air force, was launched this morning to purge the areas of Hamrin, northern regions of Muqdadiyah and the gas station, northeast of Diyala, of IS militants. IS havens as well as sleeper cells will be raided.”
“The operation was launched after accurate information was obtained over presence of IS havens in these areas,” he said, adding that security troops seek preventing the militias from finding safe shelters from which they could carry out their terrorist schemes in Diyala.
“Five bombs planted by IS on the main roads to hinder the security troops were defused,” Tamimi said, adding that the final outcome of the operation will be declared within the coming few hours.
Security troops alongside al-Hashd al-Shaabi troops were able to destroy several rest houses and kill number of IS fighters in previous operations launched in the northeastern regions in Diyala.