Iraqi security operation launched to clear Diyala region from Islamic State

Iraqi security operation launched to clear Diyala region from Islamic State

Iraqi security forces launched on Friday an operation to clear areas in northeastern Diyala from Islamic State cells, local media reported days after authorities declared efforts to clear regions from the province westwards to the borders with Syria.

The Popular Mobilization Forces said in a statement that troops, backed by the Iraqi army and counter-terrorism units, launched an operation to purge Um Weis, northeast of Diyala, having detected an activity by Islamic State terrorists.

Iraq announced late 2017 the recapture of all areas under IS control, but security forces continue to hunt for remnant cells of the group at desert areas.

Source: Iraqi News