Security forces eradicate IS secret camp in Baqubah

Diyala (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi security forces destroyed a secret Islamic State camp in Baqubah, Diyala, a security commander was quoted as saying Monday.

Lt. Gen. Mezher al-Ezzawi said in statements that forces from Diyala police, backed by troops from al-Hashd al-Ashaeri (Tribal Mobilization), discovered a secret Islamic State camp in Hamreen mountains area, 70 kilometers north of Baqubah.

The area contained several accommodations and explosives, Ezzawi revealed.

The Hamreen mountains area has proven to be a restive spot with several bloody attacks targeting security forces and allied militias.

According to Udai al-Khadran, mayor of al-Kahles, a town in Diyala, said attacks by IS at the nearby al-Udhaim region are used by the militants to cover up for booby-trapped cars being smuggled into Diyala from the neighboring Salahuddin province, mainly aimed at the Kirkuk-Baghdad road. He said 13 trapped cars deactivated over the past few months came from Salahuddin, urging authorities to dig a trench on the borders between both provinces at al-Udhaim region.

IS has escalated violent attacks against security members and civilians across Iraqi provinces over the months that followed the launch of a security campaign to retake its biggest stronghold in Mosul last October. Observers believe the attacks aim at making up for losses the group has been sustaining in Mosul.