Two ISIS fighters killed in Kirkuk after explosive belts detonated by gunfire

KIRKUK — Two gunmen wearing explosive belts were killed in Kirkuk on Sunday night, according to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.

Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior and the Security Media Cell, said the Falcon Intelligence Cell “tracked and surrounded two gunmen” in the Panja Ali neighborhood of Kirkuk during an intelligence-led operation.

“Shots were fired at them, and it was found that they were wearing explosive belts, which detonated due to the gunfire, leading to their deaths,” Miri explained.

The ministry did not reveal the identities of the gunmen but noted they were riding a three-wheel motorcycle truck.  A source from Iraq’s National Security Service told 964media that the group involved in the latest clash was “suspected of planning a major terrorist operation inside Kirkuk.”

A similar incident took place last week, when two gunmen were cornered inside a house in Sekaniyan village, south of Kirkuk. One detonated his explosives during a standoff with security forces, while the other surrendered. Iraq’s National Security Service later identified the gunman as an ISIS operative.