Three IS fighters killed in clash in northern Iraq

Army forces were deployed to the Turkelan area, southwest of the provincial capital of the same name, Kirkuk, after three IS fighters were spotted in a farmland area, due to intelligence received, according to a statement from Security Media Cell, a publication affiliated with the Joint Operational Command of Iraqi Armed Forces.

The military engaged the militants of the extremist group, surrounded and killed them, and then detonated their explosive belts, according to the statement.

An army officer was killed, and another was wounded in the fight, the publication adds.

The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of ISIS in 2017. However, the remaining militants continue to hide in cities, deserts and hard-to-reach areas, carrying out frequent attacks on security forces and civilians from there.