Islamic State militants killed 10 fighters of an Iraqi paramilitary force early Saturday, fueling concerns of the jihadist group’s resurgence in the country.
 
Iraq’s security forces said in a statement the attack near the central city of Samarra was coordinated.
 
It was the most lethal assault in months by IS sleeper cells, which have continued to carry out hit-and-run attacks on security forces in remote areas in the north and west.
 
Last week, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack that wounded four people outside an intelligence office in the northern province of Kirkuk.
 
Iraq declared victory over IS in late 2017 after a three-year military campaign.
 
IS once controlled about one-third of Iraq and neighboring Syria and the Saturday attack is raising concerns it could be making a comeback at a time when Iraqi authorities are trying to address an economic crisis and contain a coronavirus outbreak.
 
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