Iraq: Iraqi offensive near to retake Ramadi captured by Islamic State militants
Iraqi forces have made significant advances around Ramadi and an operation to retake the city captured by the Daesh (the so-called IS) in May is near, officers said Wednesday.
“Great people, the hour of victory against the Daesh criminal gangs has come,” said a statement from the Joint Operations Command for Anbar province, of which Ramadi is the capital.
“Your heroic forces are advancing steadily from the northern side… they managed to reach Albu Farraj area,” on the northern edge of the city center, it said.
The head of the Anbar command, Maj. Gen. Ismail Mahalawi, told AFP that “Iraqi forces have raised the Iraqi flag on Albu Farraj bridge”, over the Euphrates.
Since the start of October, Iraqi forces have been closing in on Ramadi, gaining ground west and north of the city in particular.