Iraqi troops control strategic road in western Anbar
Iraqi army in Anbar
Anbar (IraqiNews.com) Military troops have gained control on strategic road that was used by Islamic State militants in attacks against Haditha town, western Anbar, a source said on Saturday.
“The 28th brigade combed the region of Makhazin Haditha and took over the strategic road that links between Haditha and T1,” said Sabah Nouri, commander of the second army. “Islamic State militants used that road to launch attacks against Haditha, al-Haqlaniyah and the nearby military units.”
Two military operations were launched earlier on Saturday to comb desert regions in Anbar.
“Two campaigns were launched to comb desert regions in Anbar. The first one was launched by Jazeera Operations Command from two axis toward the south of Kabisa city,” the War Media Cell said in a statement. “The other one, backed by the Iraqi troops and international coalition, was launched in Makhazin Haditha and Houran regions to destroy IS rest houses and stores of weapons.”
“Some regions are still being combed,” the service said adding that Anbar Operations Command launched another campaign, supported by air cover, to comb desert regions toward H2 base.
On Thursday, Jazeera Operations Command launched a military operation to liberate and comb some regions in the north of Haditha Dam lake, 160 KM west of Ramadi city.
Haditha city is fully controlled by security forces and tribal fighters, however, IS launches attacks there every now and then.
Last week, additional U.S. forces reportedly arrived to a military base in Anbar to take part in the security campaign against IS militants.