Suspected ISIS attack kills 5 Iraqi soldiers in Iraq
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – An Iraqi officer and four soldiers were killed in a suspected Islamic State (ISIS) attack on Iraqi army post in Iraq, sources told Reuters on Monday.
The Iraqi Defense Ministry stated a colonel and four soldiers were killed in the attack that happened between Diyala and Saladin governorates.
The attack occurred in a rural area where ISIS sleeper cells are still active and occasionally claim responsibility for attacks despite Iraq declaring victory over the group in 2017.
According to the statement, the Iraqi security forces responded to the attack, which led to many casualties including the injury of five soldiers.
Iraq seeks to reduce the presence of the U.S.-led Global Coalition that assisted in defeating ISIS and instead have them stay in the country in an advisory capacity. The Iraqi government believes the local security forces are capable of handling the threat on their own.