Islamic State militants mounted a fresh offensive to capture the capital of Iraqs largest province in a bid to extend its control over the majority of the countrys Sunni towns and cities.
The al-Qaeda breakaway group sought to seize control of the regional council of Anbar in the city of Ramadi, 90 kilometers (56 miles) west of Baghdad, before being repelled by airstrikes and tribal fighters, local officials said late yesterday. The offensive prompted Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi to order the military to arm citizens in the province after tribal leaders and politicians complained of inadequate government support.
Islamic State holds parts of Anbar including the city of Fallujah, scene of violent battles between U.S. forces and al-Qaeda during Iraqs last round of sectarian conflict more than five years ago. The fall of Ramadi would deal a blow to efforts to curb Islamic State, which declared a so-called caliphate in areas under its control in Syria and Iraq in June after capturing Mosul, the most-populated city in northern Iraq.
Unfortunately the central governments support so far is very weak, Faleh al-Issawi, deputy head of the Anbar provincial council, said by phone from Ramadi.
Iraqs Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi ordered to provide air support for fighters in Anbar and instructed the military to boost its presence in the province, his office announced yesterday. Close
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Iraqs Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi ordered to provide air support for fighters in Anbar and instructed the military to boost its presence in the province, his office announced yesterday.
North of Baghdad, Kurdish Peshmerga forces, aided by the Iraqi army and militias, were successful in driving Islamic State fighters from two towns, clearing a main road from the capital to the border with Iran, according to a statement posted on the Kurdistan Democratic website.
Tahseen al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraqs ministry of defense, said in a phone interview yesterday that the military operation to recapture the Jalawla and Saadiya districts from Islamic State fighters are being wrapped up.
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Iraq Premier Orders Aid to Anbar Amid Islamic State Offensive