9 policemen killed in northern Iraq clash with Daesh

By Othman al-Shalash

SALADIN, Iraq (AA) - Nine Iraqi policemen were killed and 24 others were injured early Friday morning during a clash between Daesh terrorists and security personnel in northern Iraq’s Saladin province, according to police.

Police Captain Ghazwan al-Jubouri said: "Many militants of Daesh had infiltrated from the Hamrin mountain range to the area of Mutaibijah, and clashed with police in the region for several hours.

"The attack left nine policemen dead and 24 others injured."

Iraq has suffered a devastating security vacuum since mid-2014, when Daesh captured the northern city of Mosul along with vast swathes of territory in the country’s northern and western regions.

In recent months, the Iraqi army -- backed by U.S.-led airstrikes and its allies on the ground -- has since managed to retake much of the territory lost earlier to Daesh.

Nevertheless, the terrorist group remains in firm control of several parts of the country, including Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city.