![Iraqi army is seen in Saladin, Iraq on 7 February 2 2018 [Ali Mukarrem Garip/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/d2.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018_2-7-iraqi-army20180207_2_28555287_30516586.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)
The Iraqi army launched an operation on Monday to track down Daesh militants near the city of Baquba, 60km north-east of Baghdad. The militants are suspected of attacking an army patrol in the area on Sunday.
A security source in Diyala Governorate explained that soldiers with air cover carried out the operation in the orchards around Al-Mukhaisa village. It was added that the operation was a response to Sunday’s attack which resulted in two soldiers being wounded.
Militants affiliated with Daesh are active in the border areas between the provinces of Diyala and Salah Al-Din. Iraqi security forces carry out operations from time to time to cut them down.