31 May 2015

Fighting is continuing along the outskirts of Ramadi; security forces have now surrounded the city on four fronts, according to the Anbar Police Chief. Some of the areas in southern Ramadi have witnessed clashes and shelling, with security forces  now at the approaches to the 5 km and 7 km districts in westernmost Ramadi.

Meanwhile, Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes have struck a number of ISIL positions in central Ramadi, with at least 13 gunmen reported killed.

Military equipment has also been delivered to the Khalidiya and Habbaniya areas, and new centers have been open to sign up volunteers in Khalidiya.

In Fallujah today, the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city has wounded more than 76 residents and killed at least 11, mostly women and children, in a number of the city’s residential districts.

At the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing, thousands of migrants have been provided with relief aid by the Iraqi Red Crescent Society and the International Red Cross.

30 May 2015

Security forces have today launched a military operation from Ramadi’s southern sector as far as the Traffic Police Directorate in the 5 km. District in southwestern Ramadi. Meanwhile, security forces have tightened their grip on the eastern areas and the riverside areas.

Iraqi air support and coalition warplanes have also launched heavy strikes on a number of Ramadi’s districts, targeting a number of ISIL positions, while new reinforcements have been arriving in Ramadi. Air support also enabled security forces to advance into the northern and northeastern sectors. The recaptured areas have been subjected to strict security measures.

ISIL gunmen have detonated 8 explosive-rigged vehicles in an attack on the outskirts of Garma before they reached their objective of targeting the HQ of 2^nd Regiment of the 1^st Division

28 May 2015

Security forces positioned on three fronts – northern, eastern, and western - around Ramadi have penetrated into certain parts of the city. The areas that had been under ISIL control in and around Sufiya and eastern Husayba. The forces are still engaged in clashes in Ramadi’s southern sector. Strict security measures have ben imposed following air strikes by Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes.

Also today, the People’s Mobilization militias have attacked ISIL positions and concentrations with rocket fire in the eastern and northern sectors. Security forces have also cleared a number of houses that had been booby-trapped by the gunmen and IED’s planted around Ramadi’s perimeter. Reinforcements from Habbaniya have also arrived and about 1,000 tribal fighters have graduated from their training courses.

The Anbar Police commander announced today that 1,700 security who had withdrawn from Ramadi have now reported back to their duties. Meanwhile, ISIL is still preventing residents from leaving the districts they are holding within Ramadi. Three Ramadi residents have been killed and 7 wounded by the bombardment of their central residential districts.

In Fallujah, the General Hospital announced today that 7 residents were killed and 9 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

27 May 2015

Joint security forces supported by People’s Mobilization militias and tribal fighters have succeeded in liberating a number of areas in southern Ramadi and have reached some parts of Anbar University.

Security forces and units of the ‘Golden Division’ have killed 6 would-be suicide bombers in one of the university’s buildings. Anbar Police sources are reporting that the ISIL gunmen are withdrawing.

Meanwhile, security force are now 20 km away from the areas separating the forces holding the city’s perimeter from the gunmen holding parts of the Bu-Farraj, eastern Husayba, and surrounding areas. Security forces and tribal fighters are also now controlling the areas across the Euphrates from Ramadi city.

Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes have launched a number of sorties against targets in separate areas of Ramadi, especially in the city’s western sector.

In Fallujah, 7 residents are reported killed and 5 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen that have been holding the city for more than one year.

25 May 2015

Since the early hours of this morning, Iraqi Army forces supported by Iraqi gun ships, the People’s Mobilization, and tribal fighters are engaged in a broad military operation in Ramadi’s eastern areas, particularly the areas adjacent to Khalidiya and eastern Husayba; these areas have now been secured, while at least 12 ISIL gunmen were killed.

Meanwhile, Iraqi gun ships have bombarded a number of buildings being used by ISIL snipers.

Also today, large numbers of the People’s Mobilization have arrived to bring their total so far to more than 7,000 fighters.

There are also reports that the security forces are preparing for a major military operation to liberate Ramadi in the next few days.

Also this morning, Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes launched a number of strikes against a number of areas in Ramadi: in the Bu-Farraj, Al-Andalus, and the industrial districts, in addition to targets in central Ramadi. Three members of the ISIL leadership have been reported killed in the eastern Bu-Farraj area.

In Haditha, ISIL launched an early morning attack, but security forces and Iraqi gun ships repelled the attack, killing at least 35 ISIL gunmen.

In Baghdadi, the security situation is in turmoil as a result of repeated attacks by the gunmen on the residential complex in central Baghdadi, where fighting is still underway.

In Fallujah, hospital sources have reported that 7 residents were killed and 5 were wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

The humanitarian situation of the migrants remains unchanged, with thousands of families still stranded near the Bzaybiz Bridge; they have not yet been able to cross into Baghdad.

24 May 2015

In Baghdadi, a fierce ISIL attack targeted the local government complex in the western sector of the town; the attack consisted of 3 suicide bombers who infiltrated from the eastern side of the complex; two explosives-rigged vehicles were blown up before they reached a military barracks on the edge of the complex. Iraqi gun ships also carried out a number of sorties against ISIL positions and concentrations.

Also today, a number of families fled their homes and headed toward the Ayn al-Asad military base. About 5 km from the base, a large explosives-laden truck was detonated at a military barracks, killing a number of security personnel and tribal fighters. The fighting in and around Baghdadi that erupted around dawn today has become less intense during the day and is now limited to a number of smaller clashes.

Security forces have advanced into the areas east of Ramadi; Khalidiya and eastern Husayba have now been secured. A small number of families have today been returning to their homes in these liberated areas.

In Fallujah, 3 residents have been reported killed and 7 wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between the security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. Meanwhile the southwestern outskirts of the city are relatively calm.

In Garma, military operations are continuing unabated.

On the humanitarian front, the plight of the migrants massed at the Bzaybiz Bridge and those encamped in Amiriyat al-Fallujah remains unchanged, with severe shortages of food and water.

21 May 2015

In eastern Ramadi, particularly in eastern Husayba and Juwayba, military operations are still underway; ISIL gunmen launched their third attack on those areas but security forces supported by tribal fighters repelled a fierce attack on eastern Husayba. They were able to establish new front lines in the area, while Iraqi gun ships carried out strikes on positions in the eastern Ramadi areas.

Meanwhile, additional reinforcements have reached the Habbaniya Base and the Khalidiya area in easternmost Ramadi. Preparations are reported underway for a major military operation to be launched within two days.

Meanwhile, coalition warplanes have attacked a number of targets in Ramadi, especially in its southern sector and on towards the northernmost areas of the city.

Military operations are also continuing in the city’s southwestern sector where Iraqi gun ships have bombarded suspected ISIL positions. Anbar Operations and police sources have reported that at least 23 gunmen were killed in these attacks.

In Fallujah, the General Hospital has reported that 6 residents were killed and 7 wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city for more than one year. Military operations are also continuing in the city’s southwestern industrial zone.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, mortar fire has struck the town’s central districts; in the areas between the town and the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing, thousands of families and residents are still encamped and suffering from severe shortages of food, water, and medicines.

20 May 2015

Fighting is still underway in the Khalidiya area of eastern Ramadi. Security forces supported by tribal fighters have succeeded in taking control of eastern Husayba. Meanwhile, big military reinforcements have reached the Khalidiya and Habbaniya areas adjacent to Ramadi city. Iraqi air support has taken part in repelling the ISIL attacks in these areas and has struck ISIL positions and concentrations.

There are reports that preparations are underway for a major military operation aimed at re-taking Ramadi city.

Meanwhile, coalition warplanes have launched strikes against both Ramadi’s environs and its center, killing a number of ISIL gunmen.

Security forces have announced today that they have taken full control of the Jubba area on the western banks of the Euphrates in Baghdadi, and that they have killed at least 13 gunmen in the area. The forces have also announced that they are in control of all the roads between Baghdadi and Haditha.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported today that 6 residents have been killed and 5 wounded by the ongoing random bombardments between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. Fighting is continuing in the city’s southern industrial outskirts, with ISIL continuing their attacks on the military barracks in the area.

Fighting is also continuing in and around Garma. 

19 May 2015

Military operations are still underway in the eastern areas of Ramadi, where ISIL have taken over the Juwayba and wide areas of eastern Husayba and fierce fighting is still underway there.

Security forces have repelled three ISIL attacks on eastern Husayba in Khalidiya township. All security forces in the area have been ordered to gather within 24 hours in the areas that are being targeted by the gunmen to prevent them from taking control of the vast area between Habbaniya and Amiriyat al-Fallujah.

Security forces today also repelled a strong attack on the southern areas of Khalidiya. Meanwhile Iraqi and coalition planes carried out a number of sorties against target areas in eastern Anbar.

Air strikes have also been launched against a number of Ramadi areas; coalition warplanes have launched 19 air strikes on ISIL positions, reportedly killing dozens of the gunmen.

Amiriyat al-Fallujah was heavily bombarded overnight with ISIL targeting most of the town’s residential districts killing one resident and wounding 6.

In Fallujah, fighting has continued in the city’s southern industrial area. Nine residents were killed and 23 were wounded by the random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

There are still more than 12,000 people being held up at the Bzaybiz access route where the actual crossing point toward Baghdad is now closed. Some basic relief aid has reached the massed migrants at the crossing who are without any kind of shelter and are in urgent need of food supplies.

18 May 2015

In Ramadi, most of which is now under ISIL control, having occupied most of the city’s residential districts and blown up a number of police buildings and military barracks, is now devoid of any security forces. ISIL gunmen have been killing the security personnel they captured, according to sources within the city. The gunmen have also established ‘repentance’ centers at some of the city’s mosques for members of the ‘Awakenings’ and some security personnel.

ISIL gunmen have today succeeded in seizing the Juwayba area in Khalidiya in easternmost Ramadi, where they blew up the local police station. There are still some clashes underway in the southeastern sector of  the Khalidiya area.

Meanwhile there is a heavy security forces presence around Khalidiya and on toward Habbaniya, following the arrival of 3,000 ‘Hashd al-Shaabi’ militiamen from the provincial boundary with Babel Province; local tribal fighters are also being prepared to take part in a major military operation to re-take Ramadi. Iraqi gun ships have also been clearing the access roads toward the western ’35 km’ post where security forces that were forced out of Ramadi have been regrouping before moving on to the ‘160 km’ post.

In Fallujah, 4 residents, including 2 children, have been reported killed and 7 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

17 May 2015

Q: What are the latest reports coming out of Anbar today?

A: The latest reports indicate that ISIL gunmen have taken control of more than 98% of Ramadi’s area. The gunmen today assaulted the Stadium District – the only Ramadi district held by security forces – and all military units in the district have withdrawn to the areas east of Ramadi, particularly the Khalidiya and Habbaniya areas. The remaining position being held by security forces in the Anbar Operations Command HQ that is now also coming under mortar attacks amid urgent calls being made to rescue the military personnel on site.

Q: The time now in Iraq is about 7:00 pm (Sunday) and there are reports that large numbers of Ramadi’s civilians have been forced to abandon their homes; reports also show that about 500 civilians have been killed. What are the details you have in this regard?

A: The civilian exodus has been ongoing since yesterday and the day before that, when the gunmen took control of the city’s central districts and the government complex. Today, with the fall of most of the other districts, the mass migration has multiplied. Thousands of families have arrived in Khalidiya, Habbaniya, Amiriyat al-Fallujah, and other areas. The disaster is being aggravated by the absence of camps, service facilities, or humanitarian aid. Families are encamped under trees and on the streets. There are also no modes of transport; they are all making their way on foot. Yesterday evening, the deputy council leader, confirmed that 503 persons have been killed, including security personnel and civilian residents who fell victim to the bombardment and the explosive devices and vehicles planted by the ISIL gunmen. The deputy council leader added that more than 29 explosives-filled cars were detonated by the gunmen during their assault. There are also reports that gunmen have executed 18 security fighters whom they had surrounded and captured. ISIL has also been carrying out executions ‘in the field’ but there are no accurate estimates in this regard.

Q: What about the identification of the gunmen: are there foreigners and non-Iraqi Arabs among them, or are they mostly Iraqis? 

A: Based on what we have seen and gleaned from eyewitnesses, most of the gunmen are from the local areas, but the leaders and field commanders are mainly foreign. There are also reports that ISIL is now bringing in fighters from Syria via the al-Qa’im border crossing.

14 May 2015

Beginning at 2:00 am last night, security forces, Iraqi air support, and coalition warplanes have carried out a major military operation to liberate Baghdadi. The security forces advanced into the eastern areas of the township and are now on the outskirts of the town of al-Dulab in easternmost Baghdadi.

Meanwhile ISIL gunmen used 6 booby-trapped vehicles in their assault on the western areas of the town where they achieved some advances and forced some army units to withdraw, but fierce clashes have prevented the ISIL gunmen from taking control of the areas. Fierce fighting is still underway. Anbar Operations is reporting that the security forces are holding their ground in the riverside areas west of Baghdadi.

Security forces have also repelled an ISIL attack in the industrial zone in southern Fallujah where they killed 5 of the gunmen yesterday and 8 others this morning. Seven security personnel were also killed and 14 were wounded.

Numerous mortar rounds have struck the northern and eastern residential districts in Fallujah, killing at least 12 residents and wounding at least 13.

In Garma, security forces have turned back a surprise ISIL attack in the Subayhat area of eastern Garma. Fierce clashes are continuing in the areas along the Euphrates and the highway leading to Baghdad.

13 May 2015

In Garma today, ISIL gunmen launched a fierce attack on the industrial zone between Garma township and Fallujah. The attack came from 3 fronts against security forces’ positions. Security forces are still engaged in repelling the attacks.

Meanwhile numerous mortar rounds have struck within Fallujah City; initial casualty estimates are reporting that 7 residents have been killed and 13 have been wounded by the random bombardment exchanges.

In Ramadi, security forces have today killed 9 ISIL snipers in the Sharika district in central Ramadi. Two security personnel were killed and 6 were wounded in today’s fierce clashes, but security forces have established control over the district.

Security forces supported by Iraqi gun ships and Iraqi Army artillery have targeted ISIL positions in the areas between Garma/Fallujah and the capital, Baghdad.

Numerous mortar rounds have been fired by ISIL gunmen at the Habbaniya area east of Ramadi. One child was killed and 5 other children were wounded by the bombardment.

12 May 2015

In Ramadi, military operations are still underway in various parts of the city: to the east, security forces have penetrated into the outskirts of Sufiya and disarmed a large number of explosive devices planted by ISIL gunmen, killing 3 gunmen in the area.

Security forces are also still fully surrounding the Bu-Farraj area

In the city’s southern sector, fierce clashes have raged in the Hawz and nearby districts. Iraqi gun ships have struck a number of ISIL positions in that area.

Meanwhile, the city’s central and eastern districts are relatively calm, normal activity has returned to the streets, and families are making their way back to their homes.

In Garma, major military operations are underway: security forces foiled an attack with 2 explosives-laden vehicles against the Subaihat district.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 7 residents have been killed and 9 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

In Baghdadi, the residents blockaded in the town have again called for speedy action to save the hundreds of families who are now without food or water. The calls have been posted on the social media websites.

11 May 2015

ISIL gunmen have attacked Ramadi on two fronts: in the north and in the south. There was also a third incursion from the area east of the city. The first attack, in northern Ramadi, involved the areas between the Jaraisha area to the north and Ramadi city; security forces repelled the attack, killing at least 3 ISIL gunmen and were able to advance into the ISIL-held areas.

Meanwhile, the attack in the southern sector was also turned back by security forces.

The third attack was within Sufiya township east of Ramadi; security forces with Iraqi air support bombarded an ISIL concentration in the area.

The other Ramadi districts – particularly in the city’s central area – have been relatively calm and its marketplaces have been active.

In Fallujah, the central residential districts have been under heavy bombardment since yesterday – part of the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen within the city. Casualty reports show that 10 residents, including women and children, have been killed and at least 15 wounded.

10 May 2015

Since noon today, ISIL gunmen have been attacking the Hayakel area south of Fallujah, and the Fallujah University building southwest of Fallujah. Fierce fighting is still underway: security forces have blown up 4 booby-trapped ISIL vehicles. Security forces with Iraqi air support have so far held back the attack but fierce fighting is continuing with ISIL positions being bombarded within the city’s southern and southwestern perimeter areas.

Elsewhere in Fallujah, a General Hoapital is reporting that many of the city’s residential districts have been targeted by mortar fire in these central and eastern districts, the source reports that 3 residents have been killed and 11 wounded by the random bombardment exchanges between the security forces and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

In Garma, security forces have today killed at least 23 gunmen during the ongoing military operations in the township where pockets of ISIL gunmen are still holding out. Meanwhile, the Garma police station that has long been shut down was reopened today.

In Ramadi, Iraqi gun ships have carried out a number of strikes northeast of Ramadi and an Operations source has reported that at least 22 ISIL gunmen have been killed, including some ISIL field commanders. Meanwhile security forces are advancing into the Bu-Farraj township.

A military operation has been underway since yesterday in the eastern Sufiya area where security forces have disarmed at least 150 explosive devices planted by the gunmen along the main roads and some of the areas buildings.

The southern sector districts and those around the government complex have been the scene of a number of skirmishes and security forces have thwarted ISIL attempts at advancing into the city’s central areas.

09 May 2015

The central residential districts in Ramadi have been relatively calm today following the return of more than 200 families to their homes between yesterday and today. Meanwhile, military operations are continuing in the areas around Ramadi, especially in the eastern Sufiya area where security forces have been able to penetrate deep into the town. Iraqi gun ships have also been in action there today, carrying out strikes against positions held by ISIL gunmen, of whom at least 17 have been killed according to Anbar Operations reports.

Military operations have also been continuing in the Bu-Farraj area and on towards the areas around the government complex in central Ramadi, and further on toward the city’s southwestern districts that are now controlled by security forces.

In Fallujah, the General Hospital announced today that 3 residents have been killed and 6 wounded by the continuing random bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city itself.

In Garma, most of its areas are under security forces’ control in and around the town where explosive devices planted by the gunmen are still being disarmed and cleared in the booby-trapped houses.

In Habbaniya, the volunteer receiving center was opened today to receive tribal volunteers for training at the Habbaniya Base. More than 1,500 tribal fighters have completed their training in Amiriyat al-Fallujah, and more than 2,000 more have been accepted for training so that they can join their brethren of the tribal forces.

08 May 2015

ISIL gunmen have attacked the Habbaniya township in easternmost Anbar, but security forces have been able to control the situation by repelling the attack and inflicting heavy losses on the attackers, according to an Anbar Operations source. The gunmen launched their attack from the direction of Khalidiya Island but were unable to approach Habbaniya. Four gunmen were killed and 6 personnel carriers were destroyed; the remainder withdrew deep into the Khalidiya area.

In Ramadi, it has been announced that the central Ramadi area has been brought under full control of the security forces, while 5 gunmen were killed in operations in the Sufiya area.

In southernmost Ramadi, security forces have carried out military operations in the Hawz and adjacent districts, killing at least 9 ISIL gunmen. Anbar Operations have stressed that security forces have fortified their positions around the government complex in the city center.

In the Bu-Farraj area in northern Ramadi, the area has now been surrounded but there is still fierce resistance by the gunmen in the town center.

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

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, the security situation is calm, but precautionary security measures are in place following reports of an imminent ISIL attack against the township.

In Garma, the situation is relatively calm following the takeover by security forces of most of the townships districts and areas.

07 May 2015

Military operations are still underway in a number of districts in Ramadi: security forces and Iraqi gun ships have killed an ISIL commander and 3 of his aides in the Jazeera area.

Operations in the eastern Sufiya area have enabled security forces to advance deep into the town, but ISIL resistance and counterattacks have been slowing the advance; security forces have reported that at least 13 gunmen have been killed there.

Operations are also continuing in Ramadi’s southern sector Hawz and adjacent districts toward the government complex in the city center where Iraqi air support has prevented the gunmen from reaching the complex.

Meanwhile life is back to normal in the city’s central districts, with substantial activity in the public marketplaces.

Also today, security forces have launched a number of attacks in the Bu-Farraj area in northernmost Ramadi. Operations began today in the Shjariya area and have made advances with the deployment of military equipment and vehicles into Ramadi.

In Baghdadi and its surrounding areas, military reinforcements have also been deployed in preparation for a major military operation on Baghdadi and Hit township, with the aim of liberating these areas from the ISIL presence.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source reported a short time ago that 6 residents have been killed and 6 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city and the ISIL gunmen within the city that they have been holding for more than a year.

06 May 2015

In Ramadi security forces have successfully withstood a fierce attack by ISIL gunmen from each of the northern and eastern fronts. The forces blew up at least 2 booby-trapped vehicles which the gunmen tried to use to penetrate from the northern sector in the Bu-Farraj area, and from the easternmost area of Sufiya. Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes also struck targets amid the attacking gunmen who have now withdrawn on both fronts: back across the Euphrates, and deep into the Sufiya area where security forces and elements of the ‘Golden’ Division have launched a military operation, supported by police and tribal fighters. At least 11 ISIL gunmen have been killed in the fighting.

In Ramadi’s southern sector – in the Hawz and adjacent districts – military operations have continued and extended to the environs of the government complex in the city center.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source has reported that 2 residents were killed and 6 were wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city for more than year.

Farhan Mohammed, an Anbar Council member, has revealed that ISIL forces are massing in western Anbar at Al-Qaim, apparently preparing to launch a major attack on Haditha and Baghdadi townships. Many gunmen have been deployed in the Al-Qaim, Ana, and Rawa areas for that purpose.

In Garma, security forces have taken full control of the township, but some areas are still booby-trapped while security forces are trying to clear the explosives; there have been some intermittent skirmishes in various parts of the township.

05 May 2015

Security forces have succeeded in thwarting two fierce ISIL attacks against central Ramadi: the first was from the eastern Sufiya area, in which the gunmen attempted to assault the city’s eastern districts, but security forces with Iraqi air support were able to turn back the attackers towards the Sufiya area; the second attack came from the Zankura area in northwestern Ramadi, but security forces with Iraqi air support and units of the ‘Golden’ Division were able to turn back the attack. The Anbar Operations Command has reported that at least 20 ISIL gunmen were killed in the fighting in both areas.

Military operations are still underway in the city’s southern Hawz district, with security forces establishing a broader perimeter around the government complex in the city center.

Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes have targeted the Ta’meem area west of Ramadi where at least 9 gunmen were killed.

Military operations are also still underway in Garma; a military source has reported that 3 Iraqi army personnel have been killed and 5 wounded when a booby-trapped house was detonated in Garma township.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source reported today that 2 residents have been killed and 4 wounded by the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

ISIL has also blown up two schools: on in the Sufiya area and the other in central Ramadi.

04 May 2015

Security forces have established total control over the highway between Haditha and Baiji in Salahuddin Province. The forces also blew up the booby-trapped tankers that ISIL gunmen were trying to use in attacking security checkpoints and positions in the area. The forces also cleared more than 25 explosive devices laid by the gunmen. Four suicide bombers intending to attack the main entrance to Haqlaniya in Haditha township were also killed.

Regarding the continuing military operations in Ramadi, the Anbar Operations Commander announced today that a position at the Anbar University in southwestern Ramadi that has been reported to be an ISIL stronghold, was shelled, and that Abu Qutaiba al-Mar’awi, an ISIL commander, and five of his aides were killed.

Military operations in Sufiya and Bu-Farraj in eastern and northeastern Ramadi are continuing and security forces are now in control of the Street 40, Street 60, and Street 100 areas.

A member of the Anbar Council confirmed today that more than 70 families have returned to their homes today in Ramadi.

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

The Defense Minister today visited the Garma area. He stressed that security forces have achieved major victories against ISIL in the area.

03 May 2015

Multiple military operations are still underway in various parts of Ramadi: there have been clashes in the Sufiya area east of the city that have spread to the areas toward the city center. The northern and northeastern sectors of the city were reported to be under control, but some ISIL pockets are still operating. Security forces have been able to penetrate into parts of Sufiya – considered to be the eastern access route into Ramadi – where they have killed at least 13 ISIL gunmen.

Meanwhile, more than 30 families have today returned to their homes in some of the city’s central residential districts, amid strict security measures aimed at preventing gunmen from infiltrating alongside the returning families.

Also today, Iraqi army gun ships and coalition warplanes carried out a number of sorties against the city’s southern sector districts. The raids have killed at least 18 ISIL gunmen.

A security source has reported that security forces have liberated the areas around the Ramadi Teaching Hospital and the areas leading to the Hawz district.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source reported today that 4 residents have been killed and 11 wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces surrounding the city and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city for more than one year.

In Garma, security forces are still surrounding and blockading the town center but have been unable to penetrate all the way into the center. Security snipers have been able to pick off 3 ISIL gunmen within the town center. Some families have been returning to their homes in the liberated districts of the town.

In Baghdadi, families that have fled from their homes in the town’s eastern districts have called on the central and local governments to urgently intervene, while some children have been succumbing to the rise in temperatures and the lack of food aid.

02 May 2015

In Ramadi, security forces supported by tribal fighters have taken full control of Street 60 and Street 40 in eastern Ramadi, as well as the areas between eastern Ramadi and the city’s center. All these areas have been secured and some families have been returning to their residential districts there. Following yesterday’s and today’s fighting, all of the eastern and northeastern districts have been secured by security forces. The Anbar police commander announced today that security forces have advanced 700 meters on their way to liberating all of the Sufiya area. Security forces are also making headway in the Bu-Farraj area in northern Ramadi.

Security forces have today killed at least 37 ISIL gunmen in Garma township; fighting is still going on. An Anbar Operations source reported today that at least 14 army personnel were killed when a booby-trapped house was blown up in central Garma, while some families have ben returning to the liberated parts of the town.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital announced today that 3 residents have been killed and 5 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city for more than one year.

01 May 2015

The Anbar Council announced today that security forces have made significant advances in the Sufiya area east of Ramadi, pushing toward the town center and killing at least 17 ISIL gunmen; they have also cleared 23 homes of the explosives planted by the gunmen to hinder the advance of the security forces. Meanwhile security forces have seized large quantities of arms and ammunition left behind by the gunmen as they were driven back in the city’s southern Hawz and nearby districts. Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes also struck a number of positions in the sector, killing at least 8 gunmen. They have also struck a number of targets in the Ta’meem district which has been an ISIL stronghold.

In western Anbar, a broad military operation is underway by the Al-Jazeera Operations in the Baghdadi and Haditha areas. They have reported that at least 11 gunmen have been killed in the clashes in the areas separating the two townships.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source announced today that 3 residents have been killed and 7 wounded by the continuing indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between the security forces on the city’s perimeter and the gunmen holding the city.

In Garma, the ongoing military operations have not yet allowed the security forces from seizing the town center, but reports say that this may be achieved in the coming hours.