By Qassim Abdul-Zahra | Related Press
BAGHDAD — Gunmen from the Islamic State extremist group attacked a military barracks in a mountainous space north of Baghdad early Friday, killing 11 troopers as they slept, Iraqi safety officers mentioned.
The officers mentioned the assault occurred within the Al-Azim district, an open space north of of Baqouba in Diyala province. The circumstances of the assault weren't instantly clear, however two officers who spoke to The Related Press mentioned Islamic State group militants broke into the barracks at 3 a.m. native time and shot useless the troopers.
The officers spoke on situation of anonymity as they weren’t approved to concern official statements.
The brazen assault greater than 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital Baghdad was one of many deadliest focusing on the Iraqi army in latest months.
The Islamic State group was largely defeated within the nation in 2017, though it stays lively by means of sleeper cells in lots of areas. Militants from the Sunni Muslim extremist group nonetheless conduct operations, typically focusing on safety forces, energy stations and different infrastructure.
In October, IS militants armed with machine weapons raided a predominantly Shiite village in Diyala province, killing 11 civilians and wounding a number of others. Officers on the time mentioned the assault occurred after the militants had kidnapped villagers and their calls for for ransom weren't met.
The officers mentioned military reinforcements have been despatched to the village the place Friday’s assault occurred, and safety forces deployed in surrounding areas. Extra particulars weren't instantly obtainable, and the Iraqi army didn't instantly remark.