Three Peshmerga killed as Islamic State attacks in Diyala continue to increase

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Islamic State (ISIS) gunmen last night attacked a Peshmerga infantry brigade in the village of Deke Sarcham, southwest of Khanaqin, killing three Peshmerga fighters and injuring two others.

The three Peshmerga killed in the attack are from the towns of Kifri, Chamchamal and Darbandikhan.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, known in Arabic as Hashd al-Shaabi) have been supporting the Peshmerga alongside the Iraqi Army. A PMF fighter was also killed in the attack.

ISIS snipers took advantage of poor visibility brought on by foggy weather conditions to conduct the attack.

A paramedic called to the scene detailed how the adverse weather conditions made it difficult to reach those injured.

“We were unable to reach the injuries because the road was too foggy that we couldn’t see even at 10 meters,” Afshin Mahmoud said. “We could only save two injured Peshmerga. They are now well.”

ISIS gunmen reorganized over the summer and have been well-trained as snipers.

According to the information from Peshmerga intelligence, 12 ISIS gunmen conducted the attack; close to 40 more were deployed as supporting forces.

“ISIS gunmen are hiding in the vegetation alongside the Sirwan river. They are planning their attacks there,” said Omed Majid, head of Kalar’s police directorate. 

President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani - who is also General Commander of the Region’s armed forces – said the attack was proof of the threat the group continue to pose. 

"The Daesh (ISIS) attack on a Kurdistan Peshmerga brigade following a string of recent terrorist attacks of the past months in Kirkuk and Garmiyan areas is proof of the fact that Daesh has not ended. They are still a security threat to the peace and Asayesh. The fight to exterminate this dangerous enemy of humanity continues," a Thursday statement from the President read. 

"We are assuring the people of Kurdistan that the Peshmerga forces and other armed forces of Kurdistan are as always, on alert to repelling and defeating any move terrorists make and to protecting the land and the people of Kurdistan from any danger," he added.

ISIS has in recent days conducted a spate of attacks in Diyala province against the Peshmerga, Iraqi Army and PMF.

In the past ten days, three Asayesh (internal Kurdish security force) members and three Peshmerga fighters have been killed in the attacks, with six more injured.

Among Iraqi forces, two army soldiers and six PMF fighters were killed. More than a dozen fighters have been injured, as have three civilians. 

Reporting by Halo Mohammed 

Translation by Sarkawt Mohammed

Updated at 12:33 pm