Iraqi forces kill 4 IS militants, destroy hideouts in N. province

BAGHDAD, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi forces killed at least four Islamic State (IS) militants during a military operation in the northern province of Kirkuk, the Iraqi military said Wednesday.

The operation resulted in the killing of several militants and the destruction of a number of hideouts used by militant groups as shelters and logistical support centers, the Iraqi Defense Ministry said in a statement.

A source from the Kirkuk Operations Command told Xinhua that the operation resulted in the killing of at least four IS militants, noting that samples from the bodies were sent to forensics to determine their identities.

The defense ministry affirmed its determination to continue tracking "terrorist elements" to prevent any threat to the security and stability of the country.

While Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, the group's remnants continue to carry out attacks against security forces and civilians in cities, deserts, and remote areas. Authorities have since intensified aerial and ground campaigns against suspected IS militants. Enditem