A source told Shafaq News Agency that the expert set off the explosive device while attempting to defuse it in Al-Jazeera near mount Makhoul in the north of Saladin. The expert lost his hand and sustained other serious wounds subsequently.

The source said that the incident took place while pursuing an ISIS terrorist group in the area. The group was reported in Baiji by Saladin Emergency Police.

It is noteworthy that Makhoul hills are infested by many ISIS sleeper cells that shelter there despite the continuous security operations and air sorties.