Massive And Bloody Jail Break Of Islamic State Militants Reported In Iraq

Washington Post: Prisoners with Islamic State ties escape in eastern Iraq

BAGHDAD — At least 40 inmates, including prisoners with suspected links to the Islamic State, escaped a prison in eastern Iraq early Saturday after overpowering guards, Iraqi officials said.

Dozens of inmates and at least six guards were killed in the incident, which took place at the Khalis prison in Diyala province. In January, pro-government forces took control of the province from the Islamic State as part of a military offensive to win back the vast territory in Iraq that the extremist group seized last June.

In a sign of the chaos that continues to plague areas that have fallen under government control, officials gave conflicting reports of the number of people killed. Citing unnamed prison and police officials, the Reuters news agency reported that 50 inmates and 12 guards were killed.

More News On Yesterday's Massive And Bloody Jail Break Of Islamic State Militants In Iraq

Islamic State Prison Break 'Leaves 62 Dead' -- SKY News
Iraq jail riot: up to 50 inmates and 12 police killed as dozens escape -- The Gaurdian
Islamic State Claims It Attacked Iraqi Prison to Free Members -- Bloomberg
'Dozens dead' and many escape in Iraq prison break -- BBC
Islamic state militants staged Iraq prison break - officials -- Reuters
Islamic State militants stage Iraq prison break -- Channel 4 News
IS militants claim responsibility for Iraq prison break -- Deutsche Welle
Security failures behind Iraq prison break: mayor -- AFP
Iraq prison break: Was ISIS the organizer? -- Sinan Salaheddin, CSM/AP