ERBIL — Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi has urged the political factions in his country to help the formation of a new government before the Islamic State (IS) could exploit the skirmish and make a comeback.

Kadhimi made the call in a statement on Saturday after the Islamic State (IS) carried out a large-scale multi-plunge attack on Hashd al-Shaabi militias in Salahaddin, killing at least 10 militiamen.

The PM-designate condemned the attack and vowed to face the jihadists with justice.

“Our condolences to the families of the brave PMF [Popular Mobilization Forces/ Hashd al-Shaabi] martyrs who lost their lives in the attack by daesh terrorists,” Kadhimi said, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State.

“Their blood will not go in vain. Our security forces will continue to pursue terrorists until we clear our land of its abomination,” he added.