Iraq army moves to oust ISIL militants from Ramadi
By Everton Gayle | With REUTERS



BAGHDAD: -- The Iraqi army has begun a final offensive to retake Ramadi from the self-proclaimed Islamic State, according to state television and government sources.

Armed forces stormed the city on Tuesday to try to oust militants, also known as ISIL, who have been there since May

The move to force out the Islamist, officially began last month with an attempt to cut off supply lines.

Retaking Ramadi, which is 100 km west of Baghdad, would provide a major boost to Iraqi security forces after Islamic State seized a third of the country.

Should the offensive succeed, Ramadi would be the second major city in Iraq, after Tikrit, to be retaken from the Islamic State.

Residents were advised to leave ahead of the operation. Military planes dropped leaflets telling them to leave within 72 hours and indicating safe routes for their exit.

But an Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesman claimed Isil militants were preventing some from leaving.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-12-23

More weapons for ISIS when the Iraqi's drop them, turn tail and run.

In all seriousness, I hope the campaign is successful.

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