Daesh executes 5 fishermen in western Iraq

By Suleiman al-Qubeisi

ANBAR, Iraq

Suspected Daesh militants have executed five fishermen in the desert of Iraq's western Anbar province, a police officer said on Saturday.

The fishermen have been shot dead "near Lake Tharthar north of Fallujah city", police captain Ahmed al-Duleimi, told Anadolu Agency.

He said the victims had gunshot wounds in their heads and bodies.

The Daesh terrorist group has a presence in desert areas of Anbar.

In late 2017, Baghdad declared victory over the notorious terrorist group following a three-year war that ended with the fall of Mosul, Daesh’s last major stronghold in Iraq.

The Iraqi army, however, continues to wage frequent operations against Daesh "sleeper cells", which officials claim are still active in certain parts of the country.