ISIS mercenaries intensify their attacks in the regions of Mosul, Kirkuk and Diyala, the so called controversial regions between Iraq's central government and the South Kurdistan government. ISIS has also attacked the regions of Tikrit, Ambar and Germiyan.

On the night of 21 July the mercenaries carried out a raid on the village of Sherki in Khanaqin (Xaneqin) province in Diyala Governorate.

According to information received from local sources, ISIS mercenaries opened the "flag of the Caliphate" at a point where forces affiliated with the Iraqi army were stationed. Iraqi military forces were activated immediately after the action.

However, while Iraqi soldiers were heading towards the area, it was reported that ISIS mercenaries ambushed them, killing one soldier and wounding another.

The Iraqi army forces launched a large-scale operation against ISIS mercenaries two weeks ago, following the orders of the Iraqi Prime Minister and the Commander of the Armed Forces, Mustafa Kazimi.

Kazimi personally participated in the operation in Kirkuk that also involved Mosul.