IS judge killed in raid by Iraqi forces

Baghdad, June 24 (IANS/AKI) An Islamic State (IS) judge was among dozens of militants from the extremist group killed in air raids on western al-Anbar province, Iraq's defence ministry said on Wednesday.

The unnamed judge was killed in air strike by Iraqi fighter jets. The judge presided over the extremist-run Sharia court in Anbar, one of the areas of Iraq where the group holds sway, local broadcaster Rudaw quoted the ministry as saying.

Iraqi security forces pinpointed the judge's whereabout with the help of intelligence information, it added.

A total of 24 militants were killed, 36 were injured and 12 weapons were destroyed in the overnight raids on alleged IS bases east of Ramadi town.

Iraqi forces also uncovered a "huge" weapons depot in a village containing light and heavy weapons and anti-aircraft missiles.

"The weapons cache was destroyed along with 30 militants who were defending it, according to the defence ministry.

IS overran Ramadi on May 17, routing Iraqi forces there despite support from US-led coalition airstrikes targeting the extremists.

--IANS/AKI

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