Iraqi Militant Ambush: Four Soldiers Killed in Kirkuk

Four Iraqi soldiers were killed and three injured in an ambush by Islamic State militants on a convoy near Kirkuk. The area remains a hotspot for militant activity, with remnants of the group conducting hit-and-run attacks on security forces. Two officials confirmed the attack was part of an operation to arrest a suspected militant.

Four Iraqi soldiers were killed and three others injured on Wednesday in an ambush by Islamic State militants targeting an army convoy southwest of Kirkuk, according to a military statement.

The rural area continues to be a hotbed of militant activity, despite Iraq's 2017 declaration of victory over the group. The remnants of Islamic State have adopted hit-and-run tactics against government forces.

Two military officials reported that security forces were en route to arrest a suspected militant, 45 km from Kirkuk, when they were attacked with sniper and automatic fire. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the ambush, stating they used automatic weapons and grenades in the attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)