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Anbar Antix


Iraqi forces capture Kop Shop in Annah

Annah (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi army and security forces recaptured on Thursday the police station of one of Islamic State’s last three bastions in western Anbar as the government embarked on a wide-scale campaign to clear the group’s last havens in the country.

A security source told Alghad Press that forces took over the police station of Annah, besides the fire brigade unit and an oil station.

“Advances continue but with utmost caution,” said the source.

Iraqi forces capture Annah

Annah (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi army forces on Thursday completely took over the town of Annah, one of Islamic State’s last three strongholds in Anbar’s western borders with Syria, military media said.

The Defense Ministry’s War Media Cell said army forces, backed by the Popular Mobilization Forces, the paramilitary force fighting IS alongside the government, took over the town, just two days after operations launched.

Iraqi army forces invaded Annah on Wednesday, hours after recapturing neighboring Rayhana area. Military and paramilitary sources said the troops, backed by the Popular Mobilization Forces, regained control over a number of neighborhoods in the town. Military media said up to 30 militants were killed since offensives launched.

ISIS Big Turban dies defending Annah

Anbar (IraqiNews.com) A senior Islamic State leader was killed on Thursday in west of Anbar, a security source was quoted saying.

“Joint troops managed to kill an IS field leader known as Mostafa Anwar Nayef at al-Shishan district in Annah town, west of Anbar,” the source told Alghad Press.

A source told the website earlier on the day that troops invaded the district, which is the largest in Annah.

In related news, Iraqi army announced the total recapture of the town, invaded on Wednesday, hours after recapturing neighboring Rayhana area.

According to military media, up to 30 militants were killed since offensives launched.

On Saturday, Iraqi joint troops liberated Akashat region, between Rutba town, on borders with Jordan, and Qaim, on borders with Syria.

Anbar’s western towns of Annah, Qaim and Rawa have been held by the extremist group since 2014, when it occupied one third of Iraq to proclaim a self-styled Islamic “Caliphate”. Iraqi troops were able to return life back to normal in the biggest cities of Anbar including Fallujah, Ramadi and others after recapturing them in 2015 and 2016.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and the Joint Operations Command declared the start of offensives to retake IS-held regions in Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces.
Posted by: badanov 2017-09-22
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=497877