ISIL Takfiri terrorists execute 12 Shia fighters in Iraq

ISIL Takfiri terrorists have reportedly executed 12 Shia fighters north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad following heavy fighting for control of a village.

Iraqi military and police authorities announced Sunday that security forces had been joined by Shia fighters in a Friday offensive against ISIL terrorists in Tal al-Thahab village, near the town of Balad, located 80 kilometers north of Baghdad.

Although the Iraqi forces initially drove out the Takfiri terrorists from their base in a Tal al-Thahab police station on Friday, the ISIL militants reportedly returned hours later and surrounded the security facility, trapping dozens of military forces and fighters 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 a military intelligence officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Balad, Amir Abdul Hadi, confirmed that a number of the Shia fighters were executed by the Takfiri terrorist near the town but said some others were still missing following the Friday battle, though he did not elaborate.

Local and security authorities further said that more Shia fighters were expected to converge in Balad in a bid to drive out the ISIL terrorists from the areas surrounding the town, home to a major Shia shrine.

“We have asked the residents to stock food and basic material to prepare for an imminent military operation against the terrorists around Balad,” said one of the officials.

Moreover, in the town of Tarmiya, which lies between Balad and Baghdad, Takfiri terrorists detonated a car bomb overnight at a security checkpoint before attacking the post with guns.

Five police officers and three civilians were killed in the incident, according to security and medical sources.