11 Iraqi soldiers killed by Daesh

BAGHDAD (AFP) – Eleven Iraqi soldiers were killed in an overnight attack by the Daesh against their base in the eastern province of Diyala, authorities said.

"Eleven soldiers have been killed during an attack carried out by Daesh targeting a base of the army" in Diyala province, a senior military official based there said, on condition of anonymity.

The attack took place "around 2:30am (2330 GMT) against a base in the Hawi al-Azim area," the source added.

Diyala province governor Muthanna al-Tamimi confirmed the death toll, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

But he also hit out at the Iraqi army, alleging they were caught unprepared.

"The base is fortified. There is a thermal camera, night vision goggles and a concrete watch-tower," he said.

"The terrorists exploited the cold and the negligence of the soldiers," he alleged, adding that the attackers then escaped to the neighbouring province of Salaheddin.