Iraqi forces repel ISIS attack on command center south of Mosul
ARIJ, Iraq — Iraqi forces repelled an ISIS surprise attack against the command center for the Iraqi federal Police south of Mosul following an hour-and-a-half of intensive fighting, Rudaw’s correspondent Farhad Dolamari has reported from from the command center.
Iraqi helicopters were called to the scene as at least four of the ISIS attackers disguised themselves in military uniforms — two of whom were suicide bombers who blew themselves up, as they were trying to force their way into the building, one of them within 30 meters of the Rudaw team.
Rudaw’s team is safe.
One Iraqi policemen was injured.
The other two were killed as they clashed with the Iraqi forces. One ISIS militant is believed to be in hiding after the attack was repelled.
The unexpected attack began at 9 a.m. local time in Arij village west of Hamam al-Alil where the Iraqi Federal Police have a command and control center.
Senior Iraqi commanders were present in the command center, while the Iraqi Security Forces were battling the attackers.
The attack was launched by what seem to be ISIS sleeper cells, as the area was declared liberated last November by the Iraqi Federal Police.