Iraq says 11 Daesh militants killed in Saladin

BAGHDAD

Iraqi forces killed 11 Daesh militants in a security operation in northern Iraq, according to the defense ministry on Tuesday.

The operation in the Saladin province resulted in the destruction of three tunnels and the seizure of two-car bombs and 13 explosive belts, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the operation aimed at "imposing security and stability" in the area.

In mid-2014, Daesh overran roughly one third of Iraq, including the northern city of Mosul.

By late 2017, the Iraqi army -- with the help of a U.S.-led military coalition -- had recovered most if not all lost territories from the notorious terrorist group.

Although officials in Baghdad say Daesh’s presence in the country has been largely eradicated, the terrorist group has continued to stage sporadic attacks in Iraq's Nineveh, Kirkuk, Diyala, Saladin and Anbar provinces.