Peshmerga forces repel IS attack in Khurmatu, south of Kirkuk

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Islamic State (IS) militants on Thursday attacked Peshmerga front lines in Tuz Khurmatu, south of Kirkuk, but were thwarted as Peshmerga forces killed several of the jihadists, according to a Kurdistan24 correspondent.

On early morning Thursday, IS extremists attempted to cross a Peshmerga front line in Zarga area in Khurmatu, located 55km south of Kirkuk, with several fighters and vehicles, reported Kurdistan24 Correspondent. 

The attack took place in the early morning, and clashes between Peshmerga and the IS extremists lasted two hours, a Peshmerga Commander in the area told Kurdistan24.

The source said that  Peshmerga forces killed several IS extremists in the attack and seized their vehicles. 

Peshmerga officials say the situation is now under control and fights have ended.

Earlier in May, a Peshmerga officer lost his life in a roadside bomb incident on the road connecting Zarga village to Tuz Khurmatu. 

Editing by G.H. Renaud