| Submit your comments on this article | |
| Iraq | |
| Iraqi general: Forces will retake western cities | |
| 2014-01-06 | |
| A senior Iraqi military commander said Sunday that it will take a few days to fully dislodge Al-Qaeda-linked fighters from two key western cities. Lieutenant General Rasheed Fleih, who leads the Anbar Military Command, told the state television Sunday that “two to three days” are needed to push the militants out of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi. Fleih added that pro-government tribes are leading the operations while the army only is offering aerial cover and logistics on the ground. He didn’t elaborate on the operations. “The quiet and safe life that is sought by the Anbaris will not be completely restored before few hours or two to three days, God willing,” Fleih said. Residents say it has been quiet since Saturday night in Fallujah, where militants still control the centre of the city. Sporadic clashes took place on Sunday in and around Ramadi. The residents spoke on condition of anonymity for their safety. Tensions in Anbar have run high since December 28, when Iraqi security forces arrested a lawmaker sought for terrorism charges. Two days later, the government dismantled a months-old, anti-government protest camp, sparking clashes with militants. To ease the tension, the government withdrew army forces from the cities. The opposition see the army as a tool of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki to target his rivals and consolidate power. US Secretary of State John Kerry said that America would support Iraq in its combat with Al Qaeda, but without sending troop on ground.
| |
| Posted by:Steve White |