Islam Times - Iraqi forces target ISIL strongholds in Diyala

Islam Times - Iraqi forces in Diyala province killed 16 "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) elements in a series of operations targeting the group's strongholds, Diyala police said Tuesday.

Eight security operations were carried out Monday night and Tuesday morning, Diyala police chief Maj. Gen. Jameel al-Shammary told Islam Times.

"The police, with army support, carried out operations targeting ISIL strongholds in Himreen, al-Meqdadiya, al-Saadiya and al-Khalis, north and northeast of Baqubah," he said.

Five prominent ISIL members were among those killed, including an ISIL element named Abu Momen al-Ansari, he said, along with one foreign fighter "who we are now working to identify".

The security forces also arrested three other gunmen and seized weapons and equipment, he said.

A number of security personnel also were killed or wounded, he said.