Islamic State ramps up attacks in Iraq during Ramadan

A rash of seemingly coordinated attacks by the Islamic State have hit several areas across Iraq during the Muslim holy month of fasting, starting before dawn and resuming after sundown.
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Mourners pray near the coffin of a member of the Popular Mobilization Units, who was killed in clashes with Islamic State militants in Salahuddin province, during the funeral in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq, May 3, 2020. - REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani
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Shelly Kittleson
@shellykittleson

The first of several Islamic State (IS) attacks in Iraq started just before suhoor on May 2, the pre-dawn meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan prior to fasting, and lasted several hours, Salahuddin council member Subhan Jiyad told Al-Monitor via WhatsApp later in the day.

Most of those killed were Sunni locals from the Albu Issa tribe, according to another source who sent a list of the names of those “martyred.”

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