Tens of IS militants killed in army airstrikes, western Anbar

Anbar (IraqiNews.com) Tens of Islamic State militants were killed in airstrikes carried out by Iraqi army in western Anbar, the military media said.

“Iraqi fighter jets launched eight airstrikes in Rawa and Qaim, west of Anbar,” the Defense Ministry’s War Media Cell reported on Saturday.

“The airstrikes destroyed a weapon stash and two IS headquarters. They also targeted an explosive store and destroyed huge amounts of weapons,” the statement added. “Tens of militants inside the headquarters were killed.”

In related news, army troops managed to liberate 30 kilometers in south of Euphrates River.

The media service of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said in a statement “Jazeera Operations Command announced liberating 30 kilometers, south of Euphrates, from IS.

Jazeera Operations Command managed on Friday to liberate Qaim cement factory. Security forces reportedly liberated regions of al-Mawali, al-Nazwah and al-Nahyah, located west of Rawa, in western Anbar.

The Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced on Thursday the launch of operations to liberate Qaim and Rawa towns.

Hundreds of thousands of messages were airdropped on Wednesday on the two towns informing civilians that security troops are coming to free them and urging them to stay away from the enemy.

Both towns have been held by the extremist group since 2014, when it occupied one third of Iraq to proclaim a self-styled Islamic “Caliphate”.