Begin typing your search...
Iraq confident of wresting Ramadi soon
Iraq’s armed forces stormed the centre of Ramadi, a spokesman for the counter-terrorism units said, in a drive to dislodge Islamic State militants from their remaining stronghold in a city they captured in May
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
“Our forces are advancing toward the government complex in the center of Ramadi,” the counter-terrorism units’ spokesman Sabah al-Numani said. “The fighting is in the neighbourhoods around the complex, with support from the air force.”
Iraqi intelligence estimates the number of Islamic State fighters entrenched in the center of Ramadi, capital of Western Anbar province, at between 250 and 300. “It’s ferocious fight, it’s premature to say how long it will take but we can say victory will be achieved in a few days,” Numani said.
Long fight
The operation to recapture Ramadi, a Sunni Muslim city began in early November after a months-long effort to cut off supply lines to the city, whose fall to Islamic State was a major defeat for Iraq’s weak central government. Progress has been slow because the government wants to rely entirely on its own troops and not use Shi’ite militias in order to avoid rights abuses.
Ramadi Raids
Ramadi a key Iraqi city
- May 14, 2015, jihadists claim they have Ramadi under their control, Iraqi officials reportedly flee
- May 20, US aid with anti-tank rockets October 7, Iraq captures many key roads
- October 13, Iraqi forces encircle Ramadi city
- November 27, Iraqis seize key bridge, cut off IS supply lines
- December 8, Tamin, a key district taken by Iraqis
- December 22, Iraqi forces reach centre of Ramadi, street to street combat ensues
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android
Next Story
