Daesh kidnaps 19 civilians in Iraq’s Kirkuk

By Ali Mukarrem Garip

KIRKUK (AA) - The Daesh terrorist group abducted 19 civilians in Iraq’s northern Kirkuk province on Tuesday, according to a federal police spokesman.

Daesh terrorists raided the town of Mabdad, south of Kirkuk, and kidnapped 13 civilians, Hussein Majed told Anadolu Agency.

He said two people were also kidnapped in another raid by Daesh militants on the town of Debaa al-Jadeeda in southern Kirkuk.

Daesh militants kidnapped four other civilians when they raided the village of Bara Bara in the same province.

Iraqi security forces have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers.

In the summer of 2014, Daesh overran much of northern and western Iraq.

Last year, Iraqi officials declared that Daesh's military presence in the country had been neutralized following a three-year conflict with the army backed by the U.S.-led coalition.

Nevertheless, Iraqi forces continue to carry out frequent operations with the aim of decisively ending the group’s lingering presence.

*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this story from Ankara.