ERBIL — An Iraqi army officer, two soldiers, and a National Security Agency employee were killed in clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants in the Tarmiya area, north of Baghdad, a security source reported on Tuesday.
The clashes occurred during a joint operation conducted by the National Security Agency and the 23rd Infantry Brigade in the Tarmiya district.
The deceased officer, identified as a regiment commander in the Iraqi army, was killed during the operation, which also resulted in the deaths of several IS militants, according to Iraqi media reports.
Additionally, local media reported that an ammunition depot exploded during the operation, killing three soldiers and wounding five others.
The Tarmiya area, a known hotspot for IS activity, has seen frequent clashes between security forces and militant groups as Iraq continues efforts to combat the remnants of IS.