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Iraqi soldiers retake town in Anbar from Daesh terrorists

Tuesday, 17 May 2016 5:48 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 17 May 2016 5:48 PM ]

Iraqi government forces gather on the highway between the city of Ramadi and the town of Rutbah as they prepare to take part in an operation to retake Rutbah from Daesh terrorists on May 16, 2016. ©AFP

Iraqi security forces have fully liberated a key town in the western province of Anbar from the grip of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.

The Anbar Border Guard Command said the Iraqi troops managed to retake the town of Rutbah on Tuesday in a preemptive operation without so much resistance by the Daesh militants, Iraqi media reported.

Meanwhile, some Iraqi sources said the security forces are trying to clear the town of explosive devices and mines left by retreating Daesh elements.

The Iraqi soldiers recaptured the Rutbah main bridge, police station, public hospital and the entrances to the town.

The advance was the latest in a string of gains by the Iraqi military and allied volunteer fighters against Daesh in the conflict-ridden country.

Last week, Iraq’s government spokesman, Saad al-Hadithi, said the Daesh-controlled areas in the Arab country have significantly decreased to only 14 percent, compared to almost triple that number recorded two years ago.

Daesh took over parts of northern and western Iraq, including the major city of Mosul, in June 2014.

The militants have been committing brutal crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and others.

Iraqi government forces and fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units are currently engaged in operations to liberate the militant-held regions.

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