31 March 2015

In Ramadi, security forces have imposed a curfew throughout the city, following the broad offensive launched by ISIL gunmen in northeastern Ramadi. The security forces there have withdrawn to the city center following a car-bomb attack and a number of suicide bombers who carried out their missions at positions held by the security forces. The fierce clashes that erupted were what triggered the withdrawal.

Meanwhile, coalition warplanes have attacked an ISIL column advancing toward the westernmost outskirts of Ramadi that link the city with Hit township. The column was on its way to reinforcing the ISIL forces in northeastern Ramadi. Anbar Operations sources are reporting that dozens of the gunmen in the 20-vehicle column were 'annihilated'.

Meanwhile security forces have called on the Rapid Deployment forces and elements of the 'Golden Division' to provide support in the operations to re-take the area. There are also reports that ISIL is planning to use large numbers of car-bombs to be used in their assault on central Ramadi that has been practically abandoned by residents fearing for their lives and safety.

Clashes are also continuing to the east, in the areas between Ramadi and the 'Japanese Bridge', even though security forces are reported to be in control of most parts of the area.

In Garma, coalition warplanes and Iraqi air support have carried out numerous strikes on the areas between the center of the town and its southwestern reaches. Sources are reporting that at least 25 ISIL gunmen have been killed by the strikes.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 3 residents have been killed and at least 11 wounded by the random bombardment exchanges between security forces surrounding the city and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

30 March 2015

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that at least 11 residents have been killed and at least 30 wounded, most of whom were women and children. The incoming bombardment struck residential districts in the city’s central, northern, and northwestern sectors. Dozens of families have been abandoning the city and making their way to the capital, Baghdad, and to other regions of the Province.

In Garma, clashes have resumed as the ISIL gunmen were thwarted by security forces in an attempted attack in the southwestern sector of the township.

Northeast of Ramadi, on the other side of the Euphrates, security forces are still mostly controlling the area with intermittent clashes with the gunmen.

In Ramadi, security forces have blown up a booby-trapped vehicle before it could be driven to the army barracks in the city’s southern Hawz district. This was followed by clashes with the gunmen in a number of the southern sector’s districts. Iraqi air support has also carried out strikes in the southwestern sector where it is reported that at least 11 ISIL gunmen were killed this morning.

Elsewhere in Anbar, the situation is relatively calm with the exception of clashes in the southwestern sector of Baghdadi. Meanwhile, food and medical supplies have reached the township.

29 March 2015

In Ramadi, security forces have destroyed a booby-trapped vehicle before the ISIL gunmen could detonate it in the city’s southern sector Hawz district. Security forces have also killed 8 gunmen who had attacked them in the same area. Fierce clashes then erupted and spread into the neighboring districts.

In the area between Khalidiya and the ‘Japanese Bridge’ into the northeast of Ramadi, another explosives-loaded vehicle attempting to assault a 1^st Division position was detonated by security forces before it reached its target. 4 gunmen were killed at the scene. 

Meanwhile, military operations are continuing in the areas around Garma. Security forces with Iraqi support have today killed at least 13 gunmen in Garma township. Meanwhile Garma’s town center is still surrounded on all sides by security forces, but an incursion into the town has not yet been attempted. In clashes around the town, security forces have bombarded a number of ISIL positions, killing at least 33 gunmen in the town center.

Security forces have also disarmed at least 36 explosive devices planted by ISIL gunmen in clashes in the Tharthar area which was also targeted by Iraqi air strikes.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 3 residents have been killed and at least 7 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city itself.

Meanwhile the western Anbar townships, particularly Hit, Baghdadi, and Haditha have all been relatively calm today.

28 March 2015

The three-day old military operations are continuing east of Ramadi at and near the ‘Japanese Bridge’ that connects Ramadi with the Garma township. Iraqi air sorties have attacked targets around the town’s outskirts killing at least 23 ISIL gunmen, as reported by Anbar Operations sources. Security forces have also disarmed and disabled at least 3 of their booby-trapped vehicles.

Meanwhile, military operations are still underway across the Euphrates from northeastern Ramadi where security forces have repelled an ISIL attack in those rural areas.

Within Ramadi, security forces have overnight turned back an ISIL attack in the southern Hawz district and the adjoining districts. At least 3 gunmen were killed when they attempted to assault a military barracks. Security forces are now in control of most of the city’s southern sector. There were also clashes in the areas between Ramadi and Khalidiya where Anbar Police sources are reporting that the area is under their control.

Security forces in the Baghdadi area have successfully repelled an ISIL attack. The areas between Baghdadi and Haditha are fully under the security forces’ control. Meanwhile large quantities of foodstuffs and fuel have been delivered to Haditha.

26 March 2015

In Ramadi, security forces carrying out the military operation in the northeastern sector have succeeded in liberating another part of Garma township, and have killed at least 22 ISIL gunmen in the fierce clashes. Meanwhile, the Garma town center is still fully surrounded, and dozens of families have been evacuating the town fearing becoming caught up in the impending assault on the town. Coalition and Iraqi aircraft have carried out strikes against positions around and within Garma, At least 13 gunmen have been reported killed as a result.

In Ramadi city, ISIL gunmen attempted this morning to advance toward the city center from the southwestern sector. Iraqi air strikes have been reported by security sources as having killed at least 20 ISIL gunmen. Meanwhile clashes have resumed in the Hawz and surrounding districts, units of the ‘Golden’ Division, security forces, and tribal fighters have repelled the attack and prevented the gunmen from advancing into the city.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 4 residents have been killed and 11 wounded by the random bombardment exchanges between the security forces surrounding the city and the ISIL gunmen within it.

Strict security measures have been enforced around Ramadi and in the areas between Anbar and Salahuddin Provinces. Meanwhile security forces have today launched their assault on Tikrit, an important reason behind the enhanced security precautions.

In Baghdadi, heavy clashes have been raging in the areas across the Euphrates from the town, where ISIL gunmen are still maintaining their presence.

25 March 2015

In Ramadi, security operations are still underway in the eastern areas between Ramadi and Garma. Security forces have successfully disarmed and disassembled 4 booby-trapped vehicles and killed at least 7 ISIL gunmen.

The security forces are also still surrounding the center of Garma after having secured the surrounding areas. Coalition warplanes have also carried out strikes on targets on the town’s outskirts and Anbar Operations sources are reporting that at least 53 gunmen were killed in Garma action today, and at least 6 explosive devices have been disarmed.

Within Ramadi, there have been fierce clashes in the city’s southern sector where ISIL gunmen attempted to attack several barracks, but security forces supported by tribal fighters and ‘Golden Division’ units have repelled the attacks and Iraqi air support has targeted a number of the gunmen’s positions in the Ta’meem district, killing 4 gunmen including one of their commanders.

In Fallujah, a general hospital sources has reported that 11 residents have been wounded by the random bombardment exchanges between security forces surrounding the city and the gunmen holding the city.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, ISIL gunmen launched attacks yesterday evening and early this morning on the township’s southwestern sector but security forces have turned them back, killing 3 of the gunmen, and have disarmed a number of explosive devices placed by the gunmen in the area between the town and its southwestern outskirts.

In Baghdadi, the township is still calm and there are no reported security-related incidents.

24 March 2015

In eastern Anbar, security forces today repelled three ISIL suicide attacks on areas east of the city: areas attached to Garma township and at the ‘Japanese Bridge’, using 5 armored wheel loaders driven by suicide gunmen and 3 others wearing explosive vests. The first attack targeted the 1^st Regiment of the 1^st Rapid Response Division HQ in Garma; the second targeted units of the 1^st Division deployed at the ‘Japanese Bridge’ east of Ramadi; the third targeted units of the same Division deployed between Khalidiya and Garma. Latest reports indicate that 15 1^st Division personnel were killed or wounded in these attacks. Meanwhile all the vehicles used in the attacks were destroyed and all of the suicide gunmen were killed. Iraqi air support has also carried out a number of strikes against ISIL targets in the areas between Garma and Fallujah.

Also today, security forces repelled an attack on Amiriyat al-Fallujah. The township’s Police Commander, Lt. Col. Aref al-Janabi, has announced that security forces have killed at least 15 gunmen in the clashes.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 2 residents have been killed and 7 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

In Ramadi, the southern sector has been the scene of intermittent clashes, while the central and northern sectors have been calm today. A military operation is underway in the rural areas across the Euphrates in easternmost Ramadi.

23 March 2015

In Garma, security forces today killed at least 13 ISIL gunmen in fierce clashes in the eastern and northeastern parts of the town. The forces strengthened their hold on all the roads and accesses in the town and that effort is continuing, in preparation for the imminent assault on the town. Anbar and Baghdad Operations have pointed out that there are still civilian families in the town and hindering the assault on the town. They have been called on residents to leave before the expected troop advance. The southwestern sector of the town has also been secured. The areas between Garma and the outskirts of Baghdad have also been secured.

Meanwhile, the Anbar Operations Commander, Gen. Qassem al Mihimdi, announced that seccurity forces have today launched two operations; one has been in the areas between Ramadi and Fallujah; the second has been in the areas northeast of Ramadi, along the opposite banks of the Euphrates. Iraqi air support in the area has also killed at least 19 gunmen.

In Ramadi, there have been two ISIL attacks today: the first aimed at taking the Antiterrorist Forces HQ in westernmost Ramadi, but the attack was turned back and a number of booby-trapped vehicles have been destroyed. The second attack came in the southwestern Hawz district, but this was also repelled by security forces and a number of gunmen were killed.

In Fallujah, a general hospital source has announced that 2 residents have been killed and 5 wounded by the continuing random bombardment exchanges that have struck several of the city's residential districts.

In Baghdadi, the situation is practically normal and relief aid has been reaching the township, as well as the Haditha area. Meanwhile, gunmen are still occupying areas across the Euphrates from Baghdadi, and are randomly targeting the residential areas with mortar fire.

22 March 2015

In Baghdadi, a number of mortar rounds have struck the town center, killing 3 residents and wounding 7. Iraqi air support has also attacked a number of positions in the area and killed at least 7 ISIL gunmen.

In Ramadi, forces of the 'Golden Division' supported by local police and tribal forces have turned back the most vicious attack to date by ISIL gunmen who attempted to penetrate into the city from its southern sector toward the government complex in the center of the city. There are reports of 11 gunmen and 3 security personnel being killed. Meanwhile clashes are continuing in the area. Several mortar rounds have also struck the city's central districts causing major structural damage but no casualties.

In Garma, security forces are still surrounding the town on four fronts but they have not yet pushed toward the center. Meanwhile, ISIL gunmen are laying mines along most of the main roads and setting explosive charges in a number of the town's buildings. Security forces, with Iraqi air support, have been bombarding ISIL positions in the central and east-central districts.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 3 residents have been killed and 6 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces surrounding the city and ISIL gunmen holding the city itself. The incoming mortar rounds have been hitting a number of the city's residential districts.

Meanwhile there are reports that ISIL is planning a major assault on Ramadi from the west.

21 March 2015

In Garma, the joint Anbar and Baghdad security forces have announced that they have surrounded the town center and are awaiting the order to launch their assault. Meanwhile dozens of families have been evacuating the town, but ISIL gunmen have been preventing some of them from leaving in order to use them as human shields.

Since last night and into noontime today security forces and Iraqi air support backed up by coalition airstrikes have attacked a number of ISIL positions in the northern and northeastern areas of the town, killing a total of at least 33 gunmen. Three would-be suicide bombers were also killed before they could detonate their explosive vests in Saqlawiya.

In Fallujah, clashes have intensified in the Sichir area of northeastern Fallujah; security forces are reporting that at least 7 gunmen have been killed there. The ongoing random exchanges of mortar and rocket fire have killed 3 residents and wounded 9. The city is now fully blockaded and the only access route is the highway leading to Baghdad.

In Ramadi, security forces have turned back an attempted advance by ISIL gunmen in the city's southern sector. The forces have reported that at least 8 gunmen in the fighting. Overnight, coalition warplanes have carried out a number of sorties against the Ta'meem area of western Ramadi.

In Baghdadi, security forces have killed 13 ISIL gunmen in a village on the southwestern outskirts of the town.

19 March 2015

In Garma, fierce clashes are continuing as ISIL gunmen have withdrawn to the township's southwestern sector where coalition and Iraqi airstrikes have targeted the gunmen's positions. Anbar Operations sources are reporting that at least 53 gunmen have been killed. Meanwhile security forces have maintained their control over the central and eastern sectors

Security forces have also cleared the highway between Haditha and the Baiji area in Salahuddin Province. At least 116 explosive devices planted by ISIL gunmen have been secured and removed from the roadsides. Security forces have also taken up positions aimed at preventing the gunmen from moving between the two provinces.

In Fallujah, a general hospital source has reported that 7 residents have been killed and 13 wounded by the random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city's perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. Meanwhile reports indicate that security forces are planning an assault to liberate the city, probably after the completion of the ongoing operation to liberate Tikrit.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, a new local government leader has been elected in the township; a recruitment center is to be opened in the town to receive tribal volunteer fighters for the coming battle for the liberation of Fallujah.

In Ramadi, the southern and northeastern sectors have been relatively calm today, but the Hawz district has been the scene of low-level clashes. In the early hours of this morning coalition and Iraqi airstrikes targeted ISIL positions in the area lying between western Ramadi and the city's center.

18 March 2015

Security forces have reported that dozens of ISIL gunmen were killed and that the road between Al-Sheeha Bridge in Garma and the 'Japanese' Bridge in eastern Ramadi has been liberated. The forces have also disarmed a number of booby-trapped vehicles and explosive devices. Iraqi aircraft are continuing their attacks on Garma and its surrounding areas.

In Ramadi, during the night and into the early hours of this morning numerous coalition warplanes have carried out sorties on the areas of the city's southern sector that are still under ISIL control, relying on a major intelligence gathering effort by security, police, and military intelligence units. Security forces are reporting that so far at least 120 have been killed in the strikes that have set back the gunmen's capabilities and activity in the area.

In Haditha, the leader of the Anbar Provincial Council, Sabah Karhout, announced today that 10 Haditha civilians have died of hunger; he holds the Trade Ministry responsible for the deaths because no relief aid has reached the town even after the liberation of the highway from Baghdadi and the Ayn al-Asad Base that is the destination of aid supplies. Meanwhile, the southwestern areas of Haditha are still under ISIL control.

In Baghdadi, fighting has been raging in the town's southwestern sector where ISIL gunmen are attempting to regain the ground they have recently lost in the areas across the river from the town.

In Fallujah, a general hospital source has reported that 2 residents have been killed and 11 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city's perimeter and the gunmen holding the city.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, ISIL gunmen attempted yesterday an assault on the township's southwestern sector but fierce resistance by security forces thwarted the attack.

17 March 2015

In Ramadi, the central and northern districts have been relatively calm following the lifting of the curfew. However the southern sector, especially in the Hawz district, was the scene of fierce battles involving Iraqi air support that targeted a number of ISIL positions. Anbar Operations sources are reporting that at least 7 gunmen have been killed. Security forces have also discovered another tunnel leading toward the government complex in the city center. In western Ramadi, security forces have arrested more than 7 suspected ISIL informers. A would-be suicide bomber was also killed in the area. In northeastern Ramadi, security forces have forced the ISIL gunmen in the area to withdraw and are now involved in mine and explosives clearing operations.

In Garma, military operations are continuing in their drive to liberate the township. Security forces have surrounded the town while the gunmen are reported to be laying mines and booby-trapping buildings within the town.

In Fallujah, a source at the general hospital has just reported that 4 residents have been killed and 11 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, some of the residential districts have come under mortar fire; 4 residents are reported injured.

16 March 2015

In Ramadi, security forces have lifted the curfew they had imposed almost five days ago when the city was attacked by ISIL car-bombs and mortar fire. Life is back to normal in the city that is relatively calm, especially in the central residential districts and the public marketplaces. Food supplies have also reached the city center. However, there have been moderate clashes along the barricade line in the city's southern sector. There have also been Iraqi air strikes aimed at a number of house holding ISIL gunmen in the southernmost fringes of the city. A security source has confirmed that 5 gunmen have been killed by the airstrikes.

In the extreme northwest of the city there have also been clashes and Iraqi air strikes, and the sources report that at least 11 gunmen have been killed.

In Garma, security forces are continuing their sweeps of the areas they have liberated, especially in the areas separating the township from Fallujah. Clashes in the township's southwestern sector have killed at least 29 gunmen, according to Anbar Operations reports. ISIL positions are now fully surrounded by security forces.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 2 civilians have been killed and 7 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city's perimeter snd the ISIL gunmen still holding the city. Iraqi air strikes have targeted a number of ISIL positions in the Sichir area of northernmost Fallujah. Seven gunmen were killed by the strikes.

In Baghdadi, the town is calm following the takeover of most of it by security forces. ISIL gunmen are still present in the rural areas across the river from the town. Mine and explosives clearing operations are underway. Some food aid has also reached the town's residents. In cooperation with their Haditha counterparts electricity workers are repairing towers, poles, and lines in the township.

15 March 2015

In Ramadi, amid a widespread military operation, large numbers of mortar rounds have struck the central residential districts, so far killing at least 2 residents and wounding 6.

In the Hawz district two car bombs were detonated, targeting military barracks; latest reports say that 5 security personnel were killed and 7 wounded,

The deputy commander of the antiterrorist force in Ramadi reported that his forces have targeted a gathering of ISIL gunmen in the southern Andalus district, killing 7 ISIL commanders.

Fierce clashes broke out when gunmen attempted to assault the city's southern sector in Hawz district, but fierce resistance by the security forces there, with Iraqi air support, have inflicted devastating losses on the attacking gunmen.

In the city's northeastern sector, security forces, with Iraqi air support have also repelled an ISIL attack on the sector, affirming that as of now they are in full control of the situation.

In Garma, military operations are continuing; a field security commander has affirmed that the first phase of the operation is over, and that the second phase is to be aimed at taking control of the opposite side of the Euphrates where there is still a presence of ISIL gunmen. It has been reported that at least 23 gunmen have been killed

Anbar Operations Command has reported that coalition warplanes have carried out sorties against ISIL targets in the area of Rawa and Anah. Iraqi air strikes have also targeted ISIL positions in the rural outskirts of Baghdadi.

Hit is still under total siege by security forces amid reports of an imminent military operation in that area.

12 March 2015

Military operations are continuing in Ramadi following the four-pronged attack by ISIL yesterday on numerous districts, both within the city and on its outlying areas. Security forces have today killed at least 7 suicide bombers driving booby-trapped vehicles, as they tried to assault the 1st Division's 2nd Regiment near the 'Japanese Bridge' in eastern Ramadi. The suicide bombers and their vehicles were blown up and there were no army casualties, according to an Anbar Operations source. There have also been fierce clashes in the city's southwestern and southern sectors. Similar clashes have also been raging in the city's western sector. Many of the districts came under mortar fire that caused some injuries and major material damage to buildings and residences in the areas. Security forces have increased their presence in the city's central districts and a partial curfew has been imposed on the areas around the government complex. Low-flying aircrafts have been flying over the areas that ISIL gunmen tried to overrun yesterday.

In Garma, security forces have today reached the town's center while broad areas in the eastern part of the township that border the outlying areas of the capital, Baghdad, have been liberated.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has announced that 4 residents have been killed and 11 wounded by the clashes and the ongoing random bombardment between security forces on the city's perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. A mass migration is underway from the city following reports that a military operation into the city is imminent. The gunmen, however are preventing the families from leaving, but some of them have been able to find a way out.

In Baghdadi, some families have been returning to their homes, especially in the town's southwestern districts that are now controlled by security forces.

Military forces are massing around Hit township, the strategic link between eastern and western Anbar. Iraqi and coalition airstrikes have also been targeting ISIL positions in southwestern Hit township. It is believed that the area holds a number of ISIL command posts and bomb-making and vehicle booby-trapping workshops No reports have yet emerged regarding ISIL casualties in these operations. Here also, a migration is underway, with numerous families heading for the capital or toward Anbar's western regions, in advance of a reported imminent military operation in the area.

11 March 2015

In Ramadi, the Deputy Anbar Council leader, Faleh al-Issawi, has announced that the city has come under the fiercest ISIL attack for over a year. At least 17 suicide bombers in 7 booby-trapped vehicles attacked from the north and from the west. Two of the vehicles were blown up on one of Ramadi's main bridges, killing 3 security personnel and wounding 7. Two other vehicles were blown up at a military barracks, and two more vehicles were detonated on Street 20 in the city's southern sector. The seventh was detonated on the fringe of the southern sector. Meanwhile, military operations are continuing in the city and an open-ended  curfew has been imposed following reports that ISIL is preparing for a second attack.

The Ramadi general hospital has reported that 3 military personnel and 2 civilians have been killed and 34 others, mainly civilians, have been wounded. In addition to the booby-trapped vehicles ISIL launched at least 100 rockets at various targets in the city's southern sector.

The Anbar Council convened an emergency session with security commanders aimed at re-deploying security forces from the city's outlying areas into the center. Meanwhile, Iraqi and coalition airstrikes have targeted a number of the gunmen's positions in the city.

In Hit, hundreds of families have been abandoning their homes in the township, heading toward the capital, Baghdad, and to the province's western regions. ISIL, however, have prevented some of these families from leaving, intending to use them as human shields. They are also forbidding them from closing their homes.

In northeastern Ramadi, security forces identified 2 booby-trapped vehicles in Hamidhiya and Khalidiya. The vehicles were then detonated remotely.

In Garma, security forces were able today to enter the town center following fierce clashes that killed at least 35 gunmen, according to an Anbar Operations source. Mopping-up operations are continuing there.

In Fallujah, a general hospital source has announced that 6 residents were killed and 3 wounded by the ever-continuing random bombardment exchanges.

10 March 2015

In Garma, the Anbar Council has announced that the five consecutive days of military operations are coming to an end, with security forces supported by tribal fighters having taken control of most of the township. The fighting has killed more than 300 ISIL gunmen in the town and its surrounding areas. More than 50 booby-trapped houses have been blown up and more than 100 explosive devices have been disarmed and removed. Council sources are reporting that large numbers of the gunmen have fled into the western desert areas and to the ISIL-controlled areas in Fallujah. Garma families are still moving out of the town, as are some families from Fallujah, heading toward Anbar's western regions and toward the capital, Baghdad.

In Ramadi, Special Police forces have taken control of parts of the city's southern sector that had been held by the gunmen. Eleven gunmen were killed in the fighting. Seven tunnels leading from the sector toward the government complex in the city center have been blown up today.

In Baghdadi, Anbar Operations have announced that joint police, army, and tribal forces have been combing the opposite banks of the Euphrates where they have discovered and cleared explosive devices and 3 booby-trapped vehicles left behind by ISIL gunmen. Iraqi and coalition airstrikes in the areas between Baghdadi and Haditha have further secured the roads and highways in the area.

In Fallujah, a general hospital source has reported that 2 residents were killed and 7 wounded by the continuing random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city's perimeter and ISIL gunmen holding the city.

In the besieged Kubaysa area of Hit township, residents have been migrating toward Hit town and onward toward Ramadi.

09 March 2015

In Garma, military operations are continuing since dawn this morning. Anbar Operations sources are reporting that their forces have been able to take control of the eastern part of the town and its industrial zone. Military reinforcements are also making their way toward the town's center. Iraqi and coalition airstrikes have targeted the northern and northeastern sectors, with reports coming in of at least 250 ISIL gunmen being killed during this recent campaign. Explosives and mines are currently being disarmed and cleared. There are also reports that numerous gunmen have been fleeing into the desert areas separating the town from Fallujah, an area that is reported to be the next target of the military operations. Anbar Operations are reporting thst hundreds of families have been evacuating Garma and parts of Fallujah following the reports of a possible widening of the operations to include Fallujah. The families are making their way to Amiriyat al-Fallujah and toward the areas leading to the capital, Baghdad.

In Fallujah, a medical source has reported that 3 residents have been killed and 9 wounded in new clashes and the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city's perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

In Ramadi, clashes resumed at dawn today in the city's southern sector, while security forces have blown up a number of tunnels that ISIL gunmen had intended to use to advance to the government complex in the city center.

In Baghdadi, security sources are reporting that the town is relatively calm today following the success of those forces in taking control of 90% of the town. There are still pockets of gunmen in the outlying areas of the township, targeting the town center with mortar and rocket fire.

Meanwhile, food aid and fuel supplies have arrived in Haditha township.

08 March 2015

In Garma, Security forces are still waging fierce battles to liberate the township from ISIL's control. There are reports that they have taken control of the Qaraghol area northeast of the town. It has also just ben announced that the security forces have also taken control of tareas in the township's southeastern sector. Anbar Operations has also announced that 43 ISIL gunmen have been killed during these military operations. Areas in the town's outskirts closest to the capital's administrative areas in Abu Ghraib have also been secured. Two bridges linking Garma with Fallujah have also been secured.

In Baghdadi, the 7th Brigade command announced today that its commanding officer, Brig.- Gen. Abdul Majeed al-Luhaibi, has been wounded in the fighting that has been continuing since yesterday evening in the Bu-Hayyat area of the township where security forces have taken control.

In Baghdadi town, virtually all of the town's districts are now controlled by security forces, including the areas on the other side of the river. Numerous mines and explosive devices have been cleared in those areas.

In Kubaysa, south of Hit, security forces are positioned along three flanks, but there have not yet been any clashes prior to the expected battle for the area's liberation. Kubaysa residents have been advised by security forces to leave the town.

In Ramadi, military operations have been continuing in the city's southern sector> ISIL forces had attempted to launch a surprise attack into the city but security forces were able to turn them back. Anbar Operations have reported that 7 gunmen, including 3 non-Iraqi Arab nationals, were killed.

In Khalidiya, the area's administrator, Ali Dawood, announced that security forces have taken control of the highway between his area and Habbaniya Township.

06 March 2015

In Garma today military operations are continuing for the second consecutive day. Security forces have entered parts of the town's eastern sector where they disarmed and cleared more than 100 explosive devices and 16 booby-trapped homes. However, one of the houses blew up as security personnel were entering it, killing 5 soldiers and wounding 7 others, according to initial reports.

Meanwhile Anbar Operations has announced that at least 34 ISIL gunmen had been killed in the clashes and the bombardment of the town's eastern districts. An Iraqi army force supported by tribal fighters has secured the Garma Bridge and areas in the vicinity of the town. In southern Garma, clashes have resulted in the capture of a number of ISIL's vehicles that were intended to be used in an ISIL advance toward the capital, Baghdad, in the Abu Ghraib area.

In Baghdadi, a security operation has liberated 4 villages in the vicinity of Jubba in southernmost Baghdadi township. Security forces are reporting that they have killed at least 21 gunmen in the fighting. Other fierce clashes have been taking place across the river from Baghdadi in the areas between Baghdadi and Haditha. Anbar Operations sources are reporting that more than 90% of the township has been secured, with a few ISIL pockets remaining in the desert areas of the township. Meanwhile, large quantities of food aid have been delivered to the township via the Ayn al-Asad Base. Dozens of Baghdadi families have been airlifted from the base to the capital, Baghdad.

In Ramadi, military operations have continued in the city's southern sector, with ISIL gunmen attempting to penetrate deeper into the city; 3 gunmen have been killed in the fighting. Reports this evening say that security forces have killed an ISIL leader in the Hawz district. Security forces have also secured areas around the Habbaniya township and on the outskirts of northeastern Ramadi.

In Fallujah, the general hospital has reported that 2 residents have been killed and 7 have been wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges.

Meanwhile, most of Ramadi is relatively quiet following the imposition of a curfew, especially around the city's mosques. The curfew was lifted after Friday prayers ended.

03 March 2015

In Baghdadi, security forces have taken control of the Jubba area, to the southwest across the river from the town. They have killed at least 30 gunmen in that area. The highway between Baghdadi and Haditha has now been cleared of the mines planted by ISIL gunmen, and the road is now totally secure. Iraqi and coalition airstrikes have also targeted ISIL positions in the area.

In Haditha township, gunmen attempted to drive an explosive-laden vehicle into a checkpoint on the southern outskirts of the town, but security forces were able to blow it up before it reached the target.

In Ramadi, a heavy attack by ISIL gunmen from the city's  southern sector has been repelled by security forces supported by units of the 'Golden Brigade' before the gunmen could reach the city center. Nine gunmen were killed when they attempted to infiltrate deeper into the city toward the government complex.

Meanwhile ISIL gunmen have attempted to re-take the Shjariya area of northeastern Ramadi, but sources are reporting that the attack has been turned back.

In Fallujah, a hospital source has reported that 2 residents were killed and 7 wounded by the random mortar exchanges that have hit a number of the city's residential districts.

In Garma, coalition warplanes have targeted a number of positions, especially in the township's southwestern parts of the town. An Anbar Operations source has reported that at least 13 ISIL gunmen were killed by the strikes.

02 March 2015

In Baghdadi, security forces supported by Iraqi and coalition airstrikes have liberated a village on the Baghdadi Island bank of the Euphrates. They were able to disarm and remove more than 100 explosive devices planted by ISIL gunmen, in addition to blowing up 6 residences that had been booby-trapped by the gunmen.

Meanwhile, security forces are currently on the way to entering the village of Jubba across the river from the town. Dozens of ISIL gunmen are now surrounded in the area. The highway between Baghdadi and Haditha has also been completely cleared. Supplies of food and fuel have been delivered to the outskirts of Haditha via the highway.

Coalition and Iraqi airstrikes have also targeted areas along Baghdadi's perimeter.

In Ramadi today, security forces have killed at least 11 gunmen who had attempted to assault a military barracks in the city's southern sector. In Khalidiya, northeast of Ramadi, security forces thwarted an attempted ISIL advance and killed at least 9 gunmen, including one of their local commanders.

In Fallujah, the general hospital has reported that 4 residents have been killed and 9 have been wounded by the daily random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city's perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city for more than a year.

In Garma, the township's southern outskirts have been heavily bombarded and an unknown number of civilian casualties have been reported.

01 March 2015

In Baghdadi, an Anbar Operations source has announced that ISIL has executed 19 residents of the westernmost sector of the town. The gunmen had told them to join the ISIL fight against the security forces, but they refused; they were shot in one of Baghdadi township's westernmost villages.

Meanwhile security forces engaged in a battle to secure the road linking Baghdadi and Haditha, in order to enable the delivery of food aid to Haditha's residents who are experiencing a grave humanitarian situation because of the virtually total lack of any foodstuffs or medicines.

Security forces have meanwhile advanced toward the perimeter of the residential complex in southwestern Baghdadi. Iraqi and coalition warplanes have carried out a number of sorties against ISIL positions in the area; casualty figures are not yet available.

In Ramadi, 9 gunmen, including a non-Iraqi Arab national, have been reported killed in the Khalidiya area by coalition and Iraqi air strikes. Meanwhile security forces have secured the northeastern rural areas of the city. Fighting is continuing in the city's southern sector. Coalition and Iraqi air strikes have targeted a number of the gunmen's positions, including the ISIL stronghold in the Hawz district.

In Fallujah, the general hospital has announced that 2 residents have been killed and 7 have been wounded by the random bombardment exchanges, particularly in the city's central and southern residential districts.

In Garma and its surroundings, heavy bombardment exchanges have been continuing for the fifth consecutive day. Iraqi army sources have reported that 30 gunmen have been killed in the area.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, mortar fire has wounded 3 residents and caused substantial material damage in the town's center.