(KIRKUK, Iraq) — Militants armed with assault rifles and explosives attacked targets in and around the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk early on Friday in an assault quickly claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS) group and likely aimed at diverting authorities’ attention for the battle to retake ISIS-held Mosul. At least 11 workers, including two Iranians, were killed when ISIS militants stormed a power plant north of Kirkuk and then blew themselves up. Multiple explosions meanwhile rocked the city and gun battles were underway, said witnesses in Kirkuk, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were concerned for their safety.