The Pentagon announced the death of the Islamic State militants’ second-in-command, Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali (a.k.a. Hajji Mutazz) during air strikes near Mosul on Tuesday.
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, chief of staff of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve said that initial tests showed the presence of “sulfur mustard” in mortar fragments recovered from the battlefield in Makhmour. Meanwhile, Europe is considering sending the Kurds equipment that can handle chemical attacks.
The fight against government corruption continues in Baghdad, with support from Iraq’s top Shi’ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Thousands gathered across Iraq on Friday to demonstrate against corruption.
At least 70 militants were killed and 27 militiamen were wounded:
Near Samarra, a bomb wounded 27 Shi’ite militiamen.
Coalition airstrikes on Rutba left 43 militants dead.
Shelling left 15 militants dead in Haditha.
