Daesh attack kills 10 Iraqi troops near Syria border

At least 10 Iraqi soldiers and pro-government fighters were killed Friday in a Daesh attack near border with Syria, according to a local military officer.

Daesh militants mounted a deadly attack on border guards and Hashd al-Shaabi fighters north of Al-Waleed border crossing in western Iraq, the officer said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

He said around 40 border guards and fighters were injured in ensuing clashes with the attackers.

According to the officer, Daesh militants retreated from the area after sustaining casualties in the hours-long clashes.

Iraqi forces have been battling to dislodge Daesh from Iraq, where the terrorist group has maintained a foothold since 2014.

In recent months, Daesh has lost much of the territory it captured in northern and western Iraq as a result of military operations by the Iraqi army and a U.S.-led coalition.