Iraq air force hits ISIL positions in Anbar

Iraq says its air force has hit a number of ISIL positions in Salahuddin and Anbar provinces north of the capital, Baghdad.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Thursday that Iraqi air force carried out “effective strikes” in the oil-rich town of Baiji in Salahuddin Province.

“Our brave air force carried out effective air strikes on Watban building in Baiji city within Salahuddin Operation Command, killing 18 terrorists of ISIL and wounding many others,” the statement said.

It added that the air strikes hit ISIL targets in Balad and Dhilo’iya districts of the province, inflicting heavy losses on Takfiri terrorists.

The announcement came after military forces took control of the Maleha village in Salahuddin after heavy clashes with the Takfiri ISIL militants there.

Iraqi forces are trying to retake control of the town of Baiji, adjacent to the country’s largest refinery, which remains in the hands of the government despite a siege by ISIL militants. The liberation of the town can choke off the militants’ supply lines.

The ISIL terrorists hold control of large areas across eastern Syria and northern and western Iraq.

The Iraqi army has so far made gains in the fight against the ISIL militants, pledging to continue the battle against the extremist violent group.