Kurds repel ISIS attack aimed at Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Kurdistan Region—Kurdish forces repelled a heavy attack by the Islamic State (ISIS) aimed at contolling a ridgeline overlooking Kirkuk Wednesay evening, said the Peshmerga ministry, killing dozens of militants.

"The attack on Telward were not usual," said deputy Peshmerga minister Anwar Haji Osman. "It was carried out by a special task force," using humvees and suicide bombers.

"The suicide bombers had no intention of turning back," added Haji Osman.

Nine Peshmerga fighters were killed in the confrontations.

Control of a number of hills near Telward would have given ISIS a clear view of the city of Kirkuk.

"We received intelligence from Hawija that ISIS had suffered 150 dead in the attack yesterday," said the deputy miniter.

According to Haji Osman, the militants had left behind more than 20 Humvees loaded with several tons of explosives and ammunitions.

"Our defense was 100 percent successful and we were able to recover a strategic place," he said.

Kurdish forces captured Telward on Wednesday after launching a wide scale attack on ISIS positions, securing the southern gateway to the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.