The Islamic State (IS), which has increased its activity during the coronavirus lockdown, launched a series of simultaneous attacks on Iraqi security forces throughout the country that went from early Saturday morning into Sunday. Much of the fighting took place in areas the group once controlled in northern Iraq, but IS also conducted operations closer to the capital, Baghdad, than it has been in recent years.
On Sunday, IS attacked Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Dujail, about 44 miles (70 kilometers) from Baghdad. The PMU said tribal forces joined it in defending the town, and tweeted photos of allied fighters in traditional garb. The PMU said it received multiple assaults on its positions outside the city of Samarra on Saturday. Iraqi forces do not always name IS when making reports about attacks, and it is possible some non-IS militants disgruntled with the government and the PMU were behind the attack. Samarra is about 80 miles (125 kilometers) north of Baghdad. The PMU also reported deadly fighting alongside Iraqi security forces Saturday in Yathrib, about 50 miles (85 kilometers) north of Baghdad.
