Iraqi forces retake control of Sulaiman Bek: Officials

Security forces in Iraq have retaken the northern town of Sulaiman Bek and surrounding areas in Salahuddin Province following clashes with militants stationed in the town, officials say.

Army and police forces that were backed by helicopters attacked Sulaiman Bek on Monday, forcing militants to retreat, local official Talib al-Bayati said.

The Monday assault on the town left 15 militants dead.

It is worth mentioning that the militants first captured part of the town and nearby areas on February 13, only to be pushed back by the security forces the following day.

However, Iraqi armed forces pulled out for unknown reason, according to Bayati, and the militants regained control of part of the town on February 15.

Bayati added that four civilians have lost their lives and eight others have been injured since February 13.

The latest development in Sulaiman Bek comes at the time when Iraqi troops, backed by local Sunni tribesmen, are engaged in fighting with al-Qaeda-affiliated militants in the country’s western regions, including Anbar Province.

Violence erupted in Anbar on December 30, 2013, when the army removed an anti-government camp in the city of Ramadi. Iraqi authorities said the camp had been used as “headquarters for the leadership of al-Qaeda.”

The bloodshed later spread to Fallujah and militants moved in and seized the city and parts of Ramadi.

According to the United Nations, over 370,000 people may have been displaced by the deadly violence in Anbar.