Iraqi Forces Enter Central Area of Ramadi Captured by Daesh

Sputnik News

18:03 26.12.2015

Iraqi army entered Haouz area of Ramadi, where the administration of the Anbar province as well as police directorate are located, according to media reports.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Iraqi troops advance to Haouz area located in the center of Ramadi, which is the capital of Anbar province, captured by Islamic State (ISIL, or Daesh in Arabic) militant group, media reported Saturday.

On Tuesday, Iraqi troops launched an offensive in Anbar against the Daesh jihadists. The main aim of the offensive is to liberate Ramadi, the biggest city of the province, from the militants.

Iraqi army entered Haouz area, where the administration of the province as well as police directorate are located, the BBC reported, citing Iraqi army officials.

The broadcaster said that the troops, loyal to Baghdad were about 550 yards from the main government building in the city.

Ramadi fell to Daesh in May and became one of Iraq's biggest defeats in its war against the extremist group.

Daesh, which is outlawed in Russia and many other countries, has seized large areas in Syria and Iraq and declared a caliphate on territories under its control. The group is currently considered to be one of the main threats to global security.

© Sputnik