Senior Iraqi commander dies in fighting against ISIL

BAGHDAD, April 25 (KUNA) -- A senior Iraqi military commander has been killed in fighting against Islamic militants in Al-Tharthar northeast of Al-Fallouja, a local official said on Saturday.
Jassem Al-Assal, member of Al-Anbar Governorate Council, told KUNA that Commander of the Rapid Intervention Squad, Colonel Hassan Abbas Tofan, was killed during clashes with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's militia. He died when a mortar shell blew up near him while he was leading a force during the fighting. Three soldiers also lost their life in the mortar attack.
He indicated that the government forces were trying to resist the ISIL forces staging an offensive in the region. (end) mhg.rk