ISIL launches diversionary attack in Kirkuk

AP:

Islamic State militants armed with assault rifles and explosives attacked targets in and around the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk early Friday in an assault that appeared aimed at diverting Iraqi security forces from a massive offensive against the IS-held city of Mosul.

At least 11 workers, including two Iranians, were killed when IS militants stormed a power plant north of Kirkuk and then blew themselves up.

Multiple explosions meanwhile rocked the city, and gun battles were ongoing, said witnesses in Kirkuk, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were concerned for their safety. Much of the fighting was centered on a government compound in the city. They said the streets were largely deserted out of fear of militant snipers.
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This is a standard practice of ISIL when under attack to launch attacks elsewhere.  In the early days of their operations, these diversionary attacks actually added to the territory they control.  But as they begin to lose a grip on the caliphate the attacks have become less successful.