BAGHDAD, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Four Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in aerial and ground operations in northern Iraq's Kirkuk province, the Iraqi military said Saturday.
Iraqi F-16 fighter jets carried out two airstrikes on an IS hideout in the Wadi al-Shay area, killing three militants and destroying their position, read a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command's Security Media Cell.
Following the airstrikes, an Iraqi army unit conducted a search operation in the area, during which they spotted and killed the fourth IS militant, read the statement.
While Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, the group's remnants continue to carry out attacks against security forces and civilians in cities, deserts, and remote areas. Authorities have since intensified aerial and ground campaigns against suspected IS militants. ■
