ISIS attacks in disputed Iraqi town leave security force member dead, 3 more injured

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Islamic State fighters launched a double attack late Friday evening, killing one security force member and wounding three more in one of Iraq's territories disputed by Baghdad and the autonomous Kurdistan Region.

The attack took place in the town of Jalawla, located outside the disputed city of Khanaqin.

A security source told Kurdistan 24 that Islamic State militants infiltrated Jalawla's al-Shuhada neighborhood late at night, catching both the army and police by surprise with two attacks near or on the Helwan Bridge.

The attack is just the latest after a series of similar incidents targeting security forces and civilians in disputed areas in Diyala, Salahuddin, and Kirkuk provinces.

The extremist group often launches attacks in areas between those controlled by Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga, taking advantage of the security vacuum in multiple disputed territories.

At the same time, Kurdistan 24 correspondent also reported that an Iraqi soldier was wounded by sniper fire at a checkpoint in the Tarmiyah area in the northern suburbs of Baghdad.

Kurdistan Region security officials have repeatedly stated that the Islamic State continues to pose a threat to the region and the whole of Iraq.

Editing by John J. Catherine