BREAKING NEWS

Islamic State executes Shi'ite militia fighters north of Baghdad

By REUTERS

DECEMBER 7, 2014 16:34

BAGHDAD - Islamic State fighters executed 12 Shi'ite militiamen north of Baghdad after heavy fighting for control of a rural village, security sources said on Sunday.

Army and police officials said Iraqi security forces and the Shi'ite militia fighters launched an attack on Friday against Islamic State militants on Tal al-Thahab, near the town of Balad, 80km (50 miles) north of the Iraqi capital.

They managed to drive the militants from their base in Tal al-Thahab police station on Friday, but hours later the Islamic State fighters returned and surrounded it, trapping dozens of security forces and militiamen inside.

"Supporting troops with cover from army helicopter reached the area and managed to break the siege. We have confirmation from our sources that 12 volunteer fighters were executed on Saturday by terrorists," said an army intelligence officer on condition of anonymity.

Balad's mayor, Amir Abdul Hadi, confirmed that some of the Shi'ite militiamen were executed by Islamic State near Balad and others were missing after Friday's battle, but said he did not have details. Officials said 10 militiamen were missing.

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