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37 Daesh Takfiris killed in Iraqi pro-government forces operation

Saturday, 27 February 2016 4:12 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 27 February 2016 4:11 PM ]

Members of the Popular Mobilization Units carry a rocket during clashes with Daesh Takfiri militants in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk on February 18, 2016. © AFP

More than three dozen members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group have been killed in an operation by fighters from the pro-government Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq’s northern oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

Ali al-Husseini, a spokesman for the Popular Mobilization Units, told Arabic-language al-Sumaria satellite television network that the fighters engaged Daesh terrorists in an offensive in Tazeh district, located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) south of the provincial capital city of Kirkuk, on Saturday, killing 37 of the extremists in the process.

Husseini added that five fighters of the Popular Mobilization Units also sustained injuries in the fighting.

Meanwhile, a security source, requesting anonymity, has said Daesh militants are fleeing en masse from the city of Shirqat, located some 300 kilometers (190 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad, and heading towards the town of Hawijah, located about 282 kilometers (175 miles) north of the capital.

Members of the Popular Mobilization Units cover their ears as they fire a multiple rocket launcher during clashes with Daesh Takfiri militants in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk on February 18, 2016. © AFP

The source noted that the militants started fleeing following heavy bombardment of the area by Iraqi military aircraft and subsequent destruction of Daesh supply lines.

The Iraqi security official added that a large number of Daesh members have started deserting the Takfiri terrorist group, after its patrons decided to slash monthly salaries from 459,000 Iraqi dinars (384.37 US dollars) to nearly 100,000 dinars (83.74 US dollars).

Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh terrorists launched an offensive in June 2014, and took control of portions of Iraqi territory.

The militants have been committing heinous crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and others.

Iraqi army soldiers and fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units are seeking to win back militant-held regions in joint operations.

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