“As a result of obtaining prior intelligence and careful monitoring and investigation, forces of Kirkuk Asayish directorate clashed with two ISIS fighters they were attempting to arrest. As a result, one terrorist was killed and another was arrested after being wounded,” read a statement from the Asayish.
At least one Asayish member was also killed in the clashes and another was wounded.
The two suspects were allegedly previously involved in several “terrorist” acts across Kirkuk which had led to the death of at least five police officers, according to the statement.
ISIS rose to power and seized control of large swathes of Iraqi territory during a brazen offensive in 2014. It was declared territorially defeated in 2017 when its so-called caliphate in the country fell to Iraqi and Kurdish fighters, supported by a US-led international coalition.
Despite its territorial defeat, the group continues to carry out hit-and-run attacks, bombings, and abductions in several provinces, particularly in areas disputed between Erbil and Baghdad, which stretch across the provinces of Salahaddin, Diyala, Kirkuk, and Nineveh.
At least three policemen and two Iraqi army soldiers were killed in clashes with suspected ISIS members in Diyala on Saturday. The Joint Operations Command said that several ISIS fighters were also killed, but did not specify the number.
CORRECTION: The report initially stated that two ISIS fighters were killed based on the account of a local Qarahanjir official.
