Islamic State controls 2.9% of Iraqi lands: Commander

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Over 1,000 Islamic State militants were killed during the liberation of Hawija, southwest of Kirkuk, the Joint Operations Command said, adding that the militant group is in control of only 2.9 percent of Iraqi territories.

During a press conference on Thursday, Brig. Gen. Yehia Rasool, the command’s spokesperson, said “the total death toll of IS during Hawija reached 1,316 militants. Eight members were arrested.”

“The second phase of operations left 852 IS militants killed and 267 locations and targets destroyed,” Rasool added.

Moreover, Rasool said, “IS has only 2.9 percent of Iraqi territories in west of Anbar, Upper Euphrates, Rawa and Qaim.”

“The coming days will see liberation of western Anbar regions, Upper Euphrates, Rawa, Qaim and the border strip. All military units will take part,” Rasool said.

On Saturday, the JOC announced concluding the second phase of Hawija offensive. Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah, commander of Hawija Operations, said Federal Police, the rapid Response forces and PMFs accomplished their targets of the second phase.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi declared last week full liberation of Hawija. The second phase of the offensive was launched on September 29.

According to Defense Ministry’s War Media Cell, 557 IS militants were killed, while more than 100 villages and regions were liberated during the first phase, which launched on September 21st.