The three suicide bombers opened fire against security forces in a village close to the militant-controled town of Qayyara, 50 km north of the IS major stronghold in Mosul, sparking heavy armed clashes with troops before detonating their vests, the source said on condition of anonymity.
Last month, security forces freed several villages close to the town of Qayyara after recapturing a strategic airbase, considered a significant victory, as the airbase is crucial for both the troops and aircrafts in their attacks against IS as they free the northern city of Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.
The troops advance into Qayyara is part of a major offensive operation aiming to free areas in southern Mosul, including Qayyara, and to surround Mosul from the south and east before advancing into the city and flushing IS militants out of it.
Iraq has witnessed intense violence since the IS took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014.
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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