Iraqis say they foiled ISIS plan to attack revered shrines

Iraqi intelligence officials say they have foiled an attempt by Daesh (ISIS) to attack revered Shiite shrines and the sect's spiritual leader.

Two officers spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. They said the Daesh plan was to launch a series of suicide attacks in Karbala and Najaf that house the shrines as well as the home of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

The officers added that simultaneous airstrikes by Iraq and Russia two weeks ago hit gatherings of suicide bombers in the Iraqi town of Qaim and in Syria's Maydeen area. Both towns are under Daesh control. They gave no details on casualties.