Celebrations are likely ongoing in Duluiya where a long siege is finally over. Meanwhile, at least 34 people were killed and 61 more were wounded across the country. Most of the casualties were militants.
Residents of Duluiya celebrated the end of a three-month-long siege on the town. The final battles occurred this week and demonstrated the value of Iraqis of different stripes working together. Members of the Sunni Jabour Tribe and Shi’ite militiamen were key to keeping the city from falling to Islamic State militants. Khasraj and al-Jisr were also secured.
Separately, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani asked the Iraqi government to ensure that the new National Guard avoids all sectarian tendencies. The new fighting force is, supposedly, designed to use local guardsmen.
Militants using rocket launcher were able to bring down a military helicopter near Baiji, killing two pilots.
Three policemen were killed and eight more were wounded when a suicide bomber attacked their convoy, which had just left Samarra.
In Rashad, airstrikes killed 16 militants and wounded 32 more.
Airstrikes in Bashir killed 10 militants and wounded 21 more.
Security forces in Haditha killed three militants who were trying to plant bombs.
Airstrikes killed many militants in Rutba.
Fighting took place south of Falluja.
Militants attacked Hit again but were repelled.
