An attack by suspected Daesh militants on an Iraqi army post in eastern Iraq resulted in the deaths of a commanding officer, Col. Khaled Nagi Wassak, and four soldiers, with five others injured. The assault occurred between Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, an area still troubled by militant activity despite Iraq’s 2017 declaration of victory over Daesh. The Iraqi defense ministry mourned the loss and acknowledged the casualties sustained during the response. While Iraq has enjoyed relative stability in recent years, it continues to address the ongoing threat of militant groups, now relying more on its local security forces as the U.S.-led international coalition shifts to an advisory role.
