Popular Mobilization Forces repel ISIS attack in eastern Saladin

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said they repelled an attack by ISIS militants on a military position in the Tuzhurmatu area in eastern Saladin province on Sunday. The forces increased security measures in the area after foiling the assault. Tuzhurmatu lies north of Baghdad between Kirkuk and Saladin and has long been considered a sensitive area that has seen repeated militant activity in the past. PMF units have been conducting regular operations aimed at clearing ISIS presence in rural areas. Officials have said the group has continued to target security forces through cell-based structures in recent months. Following the foiled attack, PMF units launched search operations in the surrounding area. The PMF said in a statement that security forces had full control of the situation and that measures to protect civilians remain in place.