ISIS cells in Iraq’s Diyala have stepped up their attacks on government and tribal forces in an attempt to spread terror in the province.
On July 4, ISIS terrorists ambushed a unit of the Tribal Mobilization Forces (TMF) to the west of the town of Jalawla. Five tribal fighters were killed and five others were injured. Moreover, the terrorists burned a vehicle and seized some weapons.
On July 5, the terrorists abducted a civilian from the town of al-Nada. The civilian was executed after being accused of spying for the Iraqi government.
On July 6, ISIS news agency, Amaq, released photos showing the execution of two TMF fighters who were abducted from the village of Naher al-Imam on the 21th of last June.
On the same day, ISIS terrorists attacked personnel of the Iraqi Federal Police near the village of al-Bu Salibi. Three police officers were allegedly injured. The terrorists also destroyed a thermal surveillance camera.
ISIS presence in Diyala was not this strong a year ago. The terrorist group have been apparently working to strengthen its influence in the province.
Iraqi government forces have been making immense effort to neutralize ISIS cells throughout the country. However, the threat posed by terrorist group will not likely end anytime soon.