Iraq's PM hails key victory in Ramadi, vows to free Mosul from IS
Updated: 2015-12-29 09:14
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
Members of the Iraqi security forces sit in the back of a military vehicle at a government complex in the city of Ramadi, December 28, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
The troops "have retook control of Ramadi after liberating its district one by one, and raised the Iraqi flag on the government complex," the military statement said.
A provincial security source told Xinhua that after capturing the government complex, the troops continued their fighting against IS militants in some pockets inside the city, while explosive experts are defusing a large number of landmines and booby-trapped vehicles and buildings.
Last Tuesday, Iraq's Joint Operations Command announced that the security forces launched a major offensive in Ramadi and managed to seize the districts of al-Bakr, Dhubbat and Aramel, in southwestern part of the city after fierce clashes with IS affiliates.
On Saturday, Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi said "Iraqi forces are close to free Ramadi" and pledged that "during the next days, Iraqi forces will free the IS-held territories in the provinces of Anbar, as well as Salahudin and Nineveh."
The security forces have recently made significant advance in Ta'mim district in southern Ramadi and several areas on the edges of the city, as part of their efforts to wipe out IS elements from Ramadi.
The troops have been fighting for months to retake key cities and towns in Anbar, Iraq's largest province, from IS militants who have seized most of Anbar and tried to advance towards Baghdad.
Related Stories
Forces sweep up in Ramadi after landmark victory 2015-12-29 08:17
Iraqi forces continue offensive against IS in Ramadi 2015-12-24 09:08
Iraqi forces launch offensive to free IS-held Ramadi 2015-12-22 18:33
US questions fight for Ramadi 2015-05-26 07:29
500 killed as Ramadi falls to IS 2015-05-19 07:42
Today's Top News
Abe expresses apology for Korean victims of comfort women
North China encounters gas supply shortage
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank launched
Russia says it has proof of Turkey's support for IS
Investors adjusting expectations
India and Russia eye nuclear, helicopter deals
Chinese club offers lucrative contract to Spalletti
Germany is AIIB's largest non-regional shareholder
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Xi just needs to turn up for a grand welcome |
Stepping up |
Rural families still hope for male heirs |
Blue skies over Beijing ... for now |
V-Day parade for 70th WWII anniversary |
Tianjin blasts: Death, damage and bravery |