Iraqi army reinforces forces around Turkmen city

By Amer al-Hassani

BAGHDAD (AA) – The Iraqi army and pro-government Hashd al-Shaabi militia have reinforced their forces around the Turkmen-majority Tuz Khurmato city in northern Iraq, according to a military officer on Wednesday.

The move came a day after six people were killed and 15 others injured at a fake checkpoint erected by the Daesh terrorist group on the outskirts of the city.

“Security forces have taken all military precautions to thwart any Daesh attack on liberated villages,” Army Capt. Jalil Kamel told Anadolu Agency.

He said people’s movement has been restricted at night in anticipation of fake checkpoints erected by Daesh militants.

Last December, Iraqi officials declared that Daesh's military presence in Iraq had been all but dismantled.

It appears the notorious terrorist group, however, still maintains "sleeper cells" in certain parts of the country, including Saladin and Diyala provinces.