U.S. forces and Peshmerga fighters trapped by Islamic State terrorists in Salahuddin

Joint forces, composed of Kurdish Peshmerga and U.S. troops, were trapped by Islamic State members in Salahuddin province.

Kurdish media channels quoted Mohamed Jori, head of Peshmerga forces in Nugul town, said, U.S. and Peshmerga forces were trapped by Islamic State members on the borders of Dawi region as they carrying out an operation against the militant group.

“The troops entered Qurijay village, southeast of Tuz Khurmatu on Kefri road, where they were trapped by the militants. Fierce clashes then broke out between the militants and the forces,” he added.

Many vehicles, according to Jori, were burnt, which forced the militants to retreat. “Huge amount of weapons and explosives were confiscated.”

Many militants were killed, Jori said without giving the accurate number of them.

Thousands of IS militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition, was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group.

In December, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. However, Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

Source: Iraqi News