The Islamic State has released pictures showing them controlling the Duluwiyah area near the city of Balad. The photographs were disseminated on Twitter by Islamic State supporters after being posted elsewhere on the Internet. The jihadist group has taken to releasing its propaganda via its supporters on Twitter as the majority of its official accounts are continuously being suspended by the social media site.
The photos bear the title of Wilyat Salahadin, as Duluwiyah is in that administrative district of the Islamic State. These pictures show Islamic State fighters patrolling the streets in the village, as well as taken up firing positions in a house. These pictures also show destroyed and burned out vehicles near the village, including BMP's and Humvees.
It is unclear when these photos were taken. The Islamic State has long operated in Salahadin Province. On September 26, the Islamic State began a renewed assault on Baiji oil refinery in Salahdin. The oil refinery in Baiji is the largest in Iraq. In this assault, several VBIED attacks were used. The organization has been fighting for control of the oil refinery for months.
On October 8th, the Islamic State released photos showing them shooting down an Iraqi Mi-35 helicopter near Baiji with a Chinese FN-6. These pictures further confirmed that they have MANPADS and are capable of effectively using them.
Pictures from Salahadin can be seen below:
-- Caleb