An Islamic State judge was among dozens of militants from the extremist group killed in air raids on western al-Anbar province, the defence ministry said Wednesday, cited by local broadcaster Rudaw.
Rudaw quoted the ministry as saying the unnamed judge or mufti was killed by Iraqi fighter jets and presided over the extremist-run Sharia court in Anbar, one of the areas of Iraq where the group holds sway.
Iraqi security forces pinpointed the judge's whereabout with the help of intelligence information, Rudaw reported.
A total of 24 militants died, 36 were injured and 12 weapons were destroyed in the overnight raids on alleged IS bases east of the town Ramadi, the defence ministry said, according to Rudaw.
Iraq forces also uncovered a "huge" weapons depot in the village of Hasbia containing light and heavy weapons and anti-aircraft missiles.
"The weapons cache was destroyed along with 30 militants who were defending it, according to the defence ministry statement.
IS overran Ramadi on 17 May, routing Iraqi forces there despite support from US-led airstrikes targeting the extremists.
Iraqi forces are preparing a campaign to retake the area amid frequent clashes in Anbar.
