Iraq (February 19, 2018): Militants of Daesh killed at least 25 government-backed militia fighters near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Sunday, authorities said on Monday.
Police and militia commanders had earlier said 12 militia fighters were killed in the ambush and at least 10 were missing, but security forces later found another 13 bodies dumped nearby with multiple gunshot wounds.
Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.
Iraqi forces launched an operation this month to consolidate control of a mountain area near the oil city of Kirkuk to be used for the transit of Iraqi oil, highlighting concern about mountainous terrain where two armed groups are active.
Iraq declared victory in December over Daesh militants who seized control of nearly a third of the country in 2014.
Related News:
