Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Al Qaida has increased operations in a northern Iraqi province.

Security sources said Al Qaida’s Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant expanded its presence in the Diyala province.

The sources said ISIL was targeting Iraqi officials, politicians, and police in the northern Sunni-dominated province.

“ISIL has moved from Anbar to neighboring provinces and recruiting Sunnis for shootings and bombings,” a source said.

The sources said ISIL began its campaign in Diyala in January 2014 amid the revolt in Anbar. They said the campaign has been fueled by Sunni resentment over a crackdown by the Shi’ite-led government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki.

The Iraq Army has deployed the 5th Division in Diyala in an effort to
quell ISIL operations. The division has attacked towns held by ISIL,
including Bhuriz, near the provincial capital of Baquba.

Unlike Anbar, Diyala contains Kurds, Shi’ites and ethnic Turks. Still,
ISIL has managed to recruit Sunnis amid reports of army abuse of civilians
in Diyala.

“Unlike Anbar, ISIL has not directly confronted the army in Diyala,” the
source said.

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