Iraqi Army Defeats ISIS In Its First Major Victory Over The Militant Group In Ramadi

The Iraqi army's capture of Ramadi, the provincial capital lying west to Baghdad, comes as a huge victory for the US-backed forces in the country especially after the capital was razed to ground by the militants nearly 18 months ago.

Reuters

The takeover of Ramadi by the Iraqi troops has finally deprived the ISIS of its political stronghold. The militants had seized it in May which had prompted the US to rethink its strategy against the Islamic State.

Reuters

"By controlling the complex this means that we have defeated them in Ramadi. The next step is to clear pockets that could exist here or there in the city," said Sabah al-Numani, an official who led the fight from the government's end.

The victory left collapsed houses and districts in its wake and led to nighttime celebrations in Shi'ite cities, south of Baghdad, where people waves Iraqi flags. A final number on the death toll hasn't been counted but most civilians were evacuated before the start of the combat.

 Reuters

The Iraqi army was able to recapture Ramadi without depending upon the militas, who were kept off the battlefield as a precaution against a potential scuffle with Sunni population. Shi'ite Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi said that Ramadi would soon be handed over to the tribal forces and local police - a step that he believes would help strengthen the fight against the ISIS.

The government's next target after Ramadi would be the northern city of Mosul - the largest population center in control of the ISIS in either Iraq or Syria.

(With inputs from Reuters)




source:indiatimes.com

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