Iraq forces launch large-scale operation against Islamic State:

A large-scale operation was launched in eastern Iraq on Sunday against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, Shafaq News reported, citing representatives of the country's armed forces.

"A large-scale operation was launched on Sunday morning to ensure security in the north of Diyala Governorate," they said.

Iraqi army units, special forces, as well as fighters of the Shiite opposition and local tribes are taking part in the operation.

They are assisted by the Iraqi Air Force, and the ground attack on the assumed positions of the radicals is carried out in three directions.

The operation is being carried out in response to an attack in Diyala earlier this week by the IS terrorists.

As reported last Friday, a group of extremists attacked an army post in Al Azim district, killing 11 Iraqi soldiers.