Zero Hour Arriving for Iraqi Forces’ Large-Scale Anti-ISIL Operation at Border with Syria

The sources said that the Iraqi planes have dropped thousands of leaflets by the country’s Joint Command Operation over the towns of Rawa and al-Qa’em, calling on people to stay away from ISIL’s positions and gatherings.

In the meantime, Rajeh Barakat al-Isawi, a member of Anbar province’s security council, said that a large volume of military equipment has arrived in Ein al-Assad airbase in Western Anbar in line with preparation for the launch of the liberation operation of Rawa and al-Qa’em.

Relevant reports said on Saturday that the pro-government paramilitary troops repelled an ISIL attack, killing six militants on borders with Syria.

“Al-Hashd al-Shaabi [Popular Mobilization Forces] repulsed an attack by ISIL in Tal Safuk region, on borders with Syria. Troops killed six militants and burned down a vehicle loaded with weapons,” a statement by the PMFs media service said.

ISIL has increasingly targeted security forces and civilians across Iraq over the past months coinciding with operations by the Iraqi government forces which sought to retake areas occupied by the group since 2014.

Iraqi troops managed to retake several ISIL strongholds including Mosul and Tal Afar in Nineveh, Huweija in Kirkuk and Ana in Anbar. Only al-Qa’em and neighboring Rawa currently remain in ISIL grip.

In a weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said that 2017 would witness the end of ISIL’s existence in Iraq.