Rapid response forces opened fire and killed the jihadists, all identified as foreign fighters, the most hardcore in Islamic State's ranks. For now, members of the Iraqi rapid response team seem cautiously optimistic as they face about 50 militants positioned across the Tigris. One of the soldiers stared into a Russian-made scope used to guide missiles at a bulldozer used by Islamic State to create earth barriers. The rapid response unit has superior weapons: Humvees, tanks, missiles, surveillance drones controlled by computers in a high-tech van, and support from US-led coalition air strikes. Islamic State seems to be banking on determination and cunning as it stares at enemies across the Tigris from ditches and tall grass.

Source: dna January 26, 2017 09:30 UTC