Iraq armed forces regain control of several towns
Iran Press TV
Sat Jun 14, 2014 4:35PM GMT
Iraq's army has regained control over a number of towns in Salahuddin and Diyala provinces that Takfiri militants had overrun a few days ago.
This comes as Iraqi security forces continue to fight the militants from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) by launching counter-offensives in several areas.
Iraqi security sources say the army is gaining more grounds in several towns of Salahuddin Province.
Iraqi armed forces also said they are gaining the upper hand in various fronts and have achieved victories with the help of volunteers.
The army has driven the al-Qaeda-linked militants from the town of Mu'tasim, located 22 kilometers southeast of Samarra. It also set up checkpoints outside the town of Dhuluiyah, after local tribesmen pushed ISIL forces out of the area.
In Samarra, security forces have reinforced their positions, waiting for the government's orders to attack Tikrit.
Meanwhile, clashes continue outside Muqdadiyah in Diyala Province where Iraqi armed forces try to prevent the Takfiri militants from taking the town.
Reports say the ISIL is still in control of Udhaim, north of Baghdad and is firing mortars at government troops in Baiji.
Over the past days, Iraqi armed forces have been engaged in fierce clashes with the terrorists, who have threatened to take their acts of violence to several Iraqi cities, including the capital, Baghdad.
On Friday, a major Islamic center in Egypt issued a religious decree forbidding Muslims from joining the Takfiri militants of the ISIL.
Dar al-Ifta Spokesman Ibrahim Negm announced the fatwa, saying the ISIL's terrorist activities in Syria and Iraq "serve the enemies of Islam."
JR/AB/SS
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