BAGHDAD

Iraqi security forces killed 22 members of the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group in a security operation in western Iraq, according to a top military official.

Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saedi, head of the Counter Terrorism Service, said senior Daesh/ISIS leaders were among those killed in the operation in Rutba town in Anbar province.

Speaking at a press conference in Baghdad, al-Saedi added that those killed wore explosive-laden belts.

Iraqi media said senior Daesh/ISIS leader Barzan Hussein, who served as the terrorist group’s governor of Fallujah, was among those killed.

Iraqi authorities announced victory against Daesh/ISIS on Dec. 9, 2017, yet the terror group still carries out sporadic attacks in the rural areas of these provinces.