Daesh kills 7, mostly security personnel, in N. Iraq

By Hussein al-Amir and Ali Jawad

BAGHDAD

At least seven people, mostly security personnel, were killed Wednesday when Daesh carried out a suicide attack on an army checkpoint in Iraq’s northern Saladin province, according to an Iraqi military source.

“Seven people, mostly security officers, were killed -- and another nine injured -- when Daesh elements wearing explosive belts attacked a checkpoint in Saladin’s southern Baiji district,” Army Major Yasser al-Tamimi told Anadolu Agency.

According to Army Captain Saad Mohamed, military reinforcements have since been dispatched to the district, where a state of high alert has been declared and civilians are being urged to stay in their homes.

“Army and police forces have sealed off the entire district and security personnel are now in the process of pursuing Daesh militants still holed up in the area,” Mohamed said.

In recent weeks, Saladin’s eastern districts have seen frequent Daesh attacks on positions held by Iraqi security forces, especially the Hashd al-Shaabi -- a largely Shia fighting force incorporated into the Iraqi army late last year.

For the most part, the attacks emanate from the eastern side of Saladin’s Al-Shirqat district, which remains under the terrorist group’s control.

After overrunning much of the country in 2014, Daesh now appears in disarray, especially after its loss last month of the city of Mosul -- the group’s last stronghold in northern Iraq.