Four Islamic State militants killed in clashes with pro-govt troops in Diyala

Four ISIS militants were killed in clashes with Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) on a border area between Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, local sources told Basnews website Monday.

Four ISIS militants were killed in clashes with Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) on a border area between Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, local sources told Basnews website Monday.

“The clashes between al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units) and ISIS militants took place after the takfirists tried to infiltrate into Diyala province via Matibijah area on the province’s border with Salahuddin,” the sources said.

The sources pointed out that ISIS militants were “wearing explosive belts when the clashes erupted.”

Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber clad in an explosive belt was killed as he was besieged by Iraqi troops in Diyala province.

The reports did not specify whether the suicide attacker blew himself up or was shot dead before detonating his belt.

In January 2015, Iraqi forces announced liberation of Diyala province from Islamic State militants who proclaimed an “Islamic Caliphate” in Iraq and Syria in 2014.