Tensions Rise in Kirkuk with Iraq's ISIS Attack

Kirkuk, Iraq, witnessed a violent exchange of gunfire today, Sunday, between Asayish forces and elements of the terrorist organization ISIS (banned in Russia and several other countries).

According to Alsumaria News, Asayish forces in Kirkuk reported that they repelled a terrorist attack, killing two ISIS members, but unfortunately, one Asayish member lost his life in the clash.

The Asayish Directorate of Kirkuk clarified in a statement that the clashes occurred at 8:00 AM today. The statement detailed that Asayish forces in the Qarahanjir sub-district engaged with two ISIS militants following precise intelligence and surveillance. As a result, one terrorist was killed, and another was injured.

It is noteworthy that the clashes between Asayish and ISIS came just one day after similar confrontations in Diyala, which resulted in the deaths of three Iraqi soldiers.

In June, Iraqi army aviation successfully destroyed a boat, a motorcycle, and a generator belonging to ISIS in Diyala province. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense stated that the destruction occurred during an armed reconnaissance mission within the Diyala Operations Command, as reported by Alsumaria News.

Previously, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced the death of Colonel Khaled Najih Wasak, commander of the second battalion, 93rd Infantry Brigade, 21st Infantry Division, along with several of his heroic fighters, while repelling a terrorist attack in their operational sector.

In a statement, the ministry mentioned that the fallen hero and brave fighters reinforced military units that repelled the terrorist assault, forcing the remnants of ISIS to retreat.

In related news, Alsumaria News, citing a security source, reported that five soldiers, including a battalion commander, were martyred following an ISIS attack on a military post under the Salah al-Din Operations Command of the Iraqi army in the Mutaibija area east of the province.