Iraqi forces shoot down two bombers near Mosul

By Ahmed Qassem and Sarhad Shaker

NINEVEH, Iraq

Iraqi forces on Monday gunned down two suicide bombers near the northern city of Mosul, according to a military officer.

Two men wearing explosive belts attempted to attack headquarters of security forces in Tahona village in the northern Makhmour district, south-east of Mosul, Capt. Saad al-Aousi told Anadolu Agency.

He said security forces opened fire on the two attackers, killing them on the spot.

An Iraqi soldier was slightly injured during an exchange of fire with the attackers.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attempted attack.

In another development, seven suspected militants were arrested by Iraqi security forces in southern and western Mosul, according to Army Maj. Gen. Abdullah al-Azzawi.

Last December, officials in Baghdad declared that Daesh’s military presence in Iraq had been all but dismantled. Nevertheless, it appears that the terrorist group still maintains “sleeper cells” in several parts of the country.