Security source: The hostages were released after violent confrontations.

Diyala governorate witnessed Monday morning fierce confrontations following an "ISIS" attack that resulted in the martyrdom of 5 civilians.

According to a security source, "ISIS members kidnapped two citizens from Umm al-Hinta village on the outskirts of Jalawla district of Khanaqin city, northeast of the province."

He added, “5 people were martyred and another was injured after the citizens and tribe members were led to an ambush while chasing the attackers. Later, the hostages were released.”

Yesterday, Sunday, a force from the 25th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) thwarted an attempt by "ISIS" members to blow up electric power transmission towers in southern Nineveh Governorate.

During a security operation, the Popular Mobilization Forces found three homemade explosive devices intended to detonate an electric power transmission tower in the south of the governorate.

Al Mayadeen reporter added that an attack by "ISIS" on a military checkpoint north of Kubaisa in Anbar Governorate was thwarted, resulting in the martyrdom of a security member and the injury of at least 3 others.

Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, confirmed, in an interview for the Italian Newspaper "La Repubblica", that "we have avoided the abyss that Iraq was deteriorating towards, as a result of the events of the fall of 2019, but the challenges we face remain vigorous."

Iraqi President pointed out that "ISIS" still "poses a threat and is trying to reassemble its units," adding, "however, the terrorists are no longer able to obtain farther positions, as we have hit them hard and killed a number of their leaders."