Iraq forces moving toward Ramadi from three directions

Iraqi security forces, with the support of Shia and Sunni volunteers, are pushing their way toward the western city of Ramadi, tightening the siege on the Takfiri ISIL terrorists that control the city.

According to reports, the forces are zeroing in on the city, located about 110 kilometers (68 miles) west of the capital city of Baghdad, from three directions.

Meanwhile, in the north, volunteer forces are pushing through Tharthar district.

During the past 48 hours, Iraqi forces have managed to liberate two areas west of Ramadi, inflicting losses on the terrorists. The mop-up operation is said to be still underway in the west of Ramadi, while a large number of Iraqi fighters have also been stationed in a military base east of of the city.

The advances come as Iraqi forces have reportedly captured 200 ISIL members near Ramadi, with a statement by Iraq’s Defense Ministry saying that over 140 Takfiri terrorists were killed in the fresh operations launched by the Iraqi troops and volunteers in various areas of the country.

Iraqi security forces and volunteer fighters are deployed, on May 27, 2015, in al-Nibaie area, northwest of Baghdad, during an operation against ISIL terrorists in Anbar Province. © AFP
ISIL captured Ramadi, the provincial capital of Anbar, on May 17. The Iraqi forces formally launched an operation on May 26 to push the terrorists out of Anbar and retake full control of Ramadi.