By Hussein al-Amir  

DIYALA, Iraq

At least three Iraqi civilians and two Daesh terrorists were killed in clashes that erupted Thursday in Diyala province, roughly 60 kilometers east of capital Baghdad.  

Diyala Police Captain Habib al-Shammari told Anadolu Agency that Daesh gunmen late Wednesday night had attacked the village of Umm al-Hinta in northeast Diyala.  

Al-Shammari said clashes had erupted early Thursday morning between Iraqi troops deployed in the area -- backed by a number of villagers -- and the terrorists.  

“The clashes left three villagers dead and another five injured,” he said. “Two of the attackers were killed in the melee while a number of others were injured.”  

Recent weeks have seen an intensification of attacks by Daesh on Iraqi security forces and civilians, especially in northeastern Diyala.  

Last December, officials in Baghdad declared that Daesh’s military presence in Iraq had been all but destroyed.  

Nevertheless, it appears the notorious terrorist group still maintains an active presence in several parts of the country.