Hashd al-Shaabi says it foiled ISIS attack in Saladin province

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Popular Mobilization Forces' 63rd Brigade Command said it foiled an armed attack by ISIS militants on a security point in Tuz Khurmatu district in eastern Saladin province. The brigade said in a written statement that ISIS elements targeted a position of the Commando Battalion within its area of responsibility in the Mare Ali Mountains, adding that affiliated forces responded immediately, forcing the militants to retreat without achieving their objective. A security source told reporters that joint forces of the Iraqi army and the Popular Mobilization Forces have launched a large-scale operation in the rugged terrain around the Mare Ali Mountains. According to the source, the operation aims to track, neutralize and map the routes of the group that carried out the attack. The brigade said its forces remain prepared to counter any terrorist attempts aimed at undermining security and stability in the area, and that the pursuit of ISIS elements would continue. It added that the joint forces are continuing search and clearance operations within Tuz Khurmatu's area of responsibility. No casualties were reported.