By Hussein al-Amir  

BAGHDAD

Iraqi forces on Wednesday launched a large-scale security operation against Daesh militants in the northern Diyala province, according to a local police officer.  

The operation targets Daesh cells in the mountainous area of Hamrin, north of Diyala province, Capt. Habib al-Shammari told Anadolu Agency.  

“Intelligence information shows that Daesh cells are active in areas in Hamrin where security forces are not deployed,” he said.  

He said Daesh militants were using the mountainous area as a launching pad to carry out attacks against security forces and civilians.  

Attacks have been on the rise against security forces and civilians in recent months, particularly in Diyala province.  

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.