Iraqi troops kill 55 al-Qaeda militants in Anbar
Iran Press TV
Sat Jan 4, 2014 6:9PM GMT
Iraqi security forces have killed at least 55 al-Qaeda militants in two cities in western Anbar Province as they try to retake the areas seized by the militants, an Iraqi commander said.
Staff General Ali Ghaidan Majeed said on Saturday that the Iraqi troops killed "dozens of armed men" in two security operations.
Sources also said that eight Iraqi soldiers were killed in fighting in the areas of Ramadi and Fallujah.
The first operation targeted groups from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Albu Faraj near the city of Ramadi, "leading to the killing of 25.'
Meanwhile, 'a large gathering of ISIL members was targeted near Garma, killing 30,' the Iraqi commander added, referring to an area near the city of Fallujah.
Earlier reports said ISIL militants took control of parts of Ramadi and Fallujah.
Security forces and allied tribesmen have been fighting against ISIL militants in the past few days over the control of the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah.
Clashes broke out on Monday after security forces removed the main anti-government protest camp in Ramadi. The clashes later spread to Fallujah, where security forces withdrew from some areas.
Iraq's Red Crescent has reportedly sent convoys with food to the two cities, but they could not enter due to the heavy clashes.
SAB/SS
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