Ten Islamic State leaders flee another holdout in Anbar
IS militants.
“The group is totally in bad situation after liberation of Annah town, as 10 leaders escaped Qaim to unknown destinations,” the source told Alghad Press on Saturday.
“The group is in panic as it’s being accurately targeted by Iraqi and U.S.-led Coalition jets,” the source said, adding that militants are trying to be friendly with people but in vain.
Earlier on the day, the security council of Anbar provincial council said troops are heading to Qaim to liberate it.
Earlier on the day, the group reportedly executed 28 militants, along with the leader, in Syria’s al-BuKamal as they fled after security troops advanced in Annah town in Anbar.
Iraqi army announced the total recapture of the town, invaded on Wednesday, hours after recapturing neighboring Rayhana area.
According to military media, up to 30 militants were killed since offensives launched.
Last week, Iraqi joint troops liberated Akashat region, between Rutba town, on borders with Jordan, and Qaim, on borders with Syria.
Anbar’s western towns of Annah, Qaim and Rawa have been held by the extremist group since 2014, when it occupied one third of Iraq to proclaim a self-styled Islamic “Caliphate”. Iraqi troops were able to return life back to normal in the biggest cities of Anbar including Fallujah, Ramadi and others after recapturing them in 2015 and 2016.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and the Joint Operations Command declared the start of offensives to retake IS-held regions in Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces.