Islamic State gunmen kill Iraqi police officer and wound four near Kirkuk

Islamic State fighters targeted a federal police site near Hawija, roughly 70 km southwest of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, using automatic weapons and sniper fire. The attack resulted in the death of one Iraqi police officer and wounded four colleagues. While no formal claim was made, security and army officials said the militants were responsible.

This is the first reported Islamic State assault on Iraqi security forces since the United States completed its withdrawal on September 30. Washington has said it will continue limited training and intelligence assistance, leaving Iraqi forces to fully manage the country’s security and contain remaining Islamic State cells. Officials warned that the departure of coalition troops could create a security vacuum that the group might exploit.