31 July 2015

The Federal Police  Commander, Lt.-Gen. Ra'ed Jawdat, announced today the liberation of the Tell Al-Mushahid area east of Ramadi following military operations in which numerous units of the People's Mobilization, tribal volunteers, and security forces took part, killing at least 23 ISIL gunmen.

On the southwestern front of Ramadi, security forces have also liberated more ISIL-held areas. Meanwhile, fighting is continuing along the city's southern front and in the northern areas across the Euphrates from Ramadi City. Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have targeted ISIL positions within the city and along its perimeter, killing at least 11 gunmen, including an ISIL field commander in central Ramadi.

In Fallujah's southern sector, security forces have killed 5 ISIL gunmen and destroyed two explosives-rigged vehicles that had been intended to target a military barracks in the area.

Meanwhile, families are still leaving the city, using routes provided by the security forces, leading to western Fallujah. All the routes into and out of the city are now under the control of security forces.

In Garma, security forces are embroiled in fierce fighting around the town center which is now fully surrounded.

In western Anbar, the military is massing around Baghdadi ahead of the imminent liberation operation. In Haditha, security forces have raised their state of alert following reports of an imminent ISIL assault on the areas around the township that has been relatively quiet amid the ongoing military preparations.

28 July 2015

In Ramadi today, the city's eastern sector came under a fierce attack by ISIL gunmen who tried to approach the defensive front-line positions of the security forces in Eastern Husayba and Juwayba and the northern riverside areas. Security forces destroyed three explosives-rigged vehicles before they reached their targets. Anbar Operations are reporting that at least 33 ISIL gunmen were killed in the three-hour-long clashes in eastern Ramadi.

In southern Ramadi, security forces are still holding the Anbar University buildings and are forming their lines for an advance into the Ta'meem district in the southwest of the city. The forces also took control of the ceramics plant in westernmost Ramadi. Meanwhile Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have been launched against targets within the city and along its perimeter, killing at least 21 ISIL gunmen, as reported by Anbar Operations.

In Fallujah, security forces are still tightening their stranglehold on the city. An attempted ISIL attack on the areas around the Tharthar barrage has been turned back, and at least 13 gunmen were killed in the attempt.

In Garma, security force have succeeded in making penetrations into the town's center, but they have not yet taken full control of the center.

Meanwhile Anbar-sourced People's Mobilization units and some tribal volunteer units have completed their training and are to be deployed within the Anbar Emergency forces. 

27 July 2015

In Ramadi today, security forces have completed their control over the city's southern front, having announced that they have liberated all of Ramadi University's buildings and have reached the demarcation line of the Ta'meem district. Meanwhile, heavy equipment and reinforcements have been deployed in the city's southern sector. Security forces have also killed three would-be suicide bombers driving three explosives-rigged vehicles attempting to approach the Anbar University campus. All three vehicles were destroyed.

Security forces also launched a military operation east of Ramadi and into the areas leading to the southern sector.

In fierce clashes in Khalidiya, north of Ramadi, security forces have killed at least 35 ISIL gunmen.

Families are still making their way out of Ramadi, using access routes that have been cleared by security forces, especially from the southern and eastern sectors of the city. Meanwhile, intelligence reports indicate that ISIL gunmen are fleeing from within Ramadi toward Hit township.

In Fallujah, security forces have thwarted an ISIL attack on the Tharthar barrage area in southernmost Fallujah. Hundreds of families are still leaving the fully-surrounded city, but there are reports that the gunmen have resorted to using more than 4,000 families as human shields within the city.

Security forces are still closing in on Garma's town center and are now within about 3 kilometers from their goal.

The Jazeera and Badiya forces in western Anbar have announced that they have killed at least 17 ISIL gunmen, including 3 snipers, in the Baghdadi township when they attempted an attack on a military barracks in southwestern Baghdadi.

26 July 2015

Antiterrorism units, Rapid Deployment forces, supported by People's Mobilization forces, and tribal volunteers have taken control of Anbar University in southwestern Ramadi. Security forces  advanced on the campus from four fronts, taking up positions within the campus buildings, while fighting is continuing around the campus perimeter. Security forces are reporting that they have taken control of most of the university's buildings; they have also discovered a mass grave and a number of tunnels connecting the campus with the southern and southwestern sectors of Ramadi. Forces are now advancing into the Ta'meem district, and have taken control of the areas adjacent to Ramadi's eastern sector and on to the areas across the Euphrates from Ramadi City. Also today, Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have targeted numerous positions in and around Ramadi. At least 26 ISIL gunmen have been reported killed by the strikes.

In Fallujah, security forces are still fully surrounding the city. At least 17 ISIL gunmen were killed in clashes on Fallujah's eastern front as they attempted to attack a military barracks near the Fallujah-Baghdad Highway. Iraqi and Coalition aircraft have attacked and destroyed 3 vehicles loaded with weapons and ammunition and making their way toward the city's northern and northeastern sectors. Security forces are also combing all of the terrain around the city's perimeter. Meanwhile, the gunmen are still preventing families from leaving the city and have been whipping those who try to circumvent their positions within the city. 

25 July 2015

Joint Security forces supported by People's Mobilization and tribal fighters have established full control of Ramadi's eastern front, further tightening their stranglehold on the city from every direction.

Security forces have also gained ground in the city's southwestern sector, toward the former Anbar Operations building.

Meanwhile, Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have targeted specific targets and position in central and southwestern Ramadi. There are reports that at least 35 ISIL gunmen were killed by the strikes.

Ramadi families are continuing to leave the city, and ISIL commanders have been fleeing toward the Province's western regions, specifically toward Hit township and its surroundings.

In Fallujah, security forces are strengthening their grip around the city by cutting off all access routes. There have, however, been clashes in the city's western outskirts. Iraqi air support and Coalition warplanes have struck a number of ISIL positions in and around the city, killing at least 20 of the gunmen.

In Garma, security forces are still surrounding the town center amid fierce clashes between them and the embattled ISIL gunmen within the center.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, mortar fire has struck a number of the town's residential districts, causing slight structural damage without causing any injuries. 

24 July 2015

The Federal Police Commander, Lt.-Gen. Ra'ed Jawdat, announced today the liberation of the Tell Al-Mushahid area east of Ramadi following military operations in which numerous units of the People's Mobilization, tribal volunteers, and security forces took part, killing at least 23 ISIL gunmen.

On the southwestern front of Ramadi, security forces have also liberated more ISIL-held areas. Meanwhile, fighting is continuing along the city's southern front and in the northern areas across the Euphrates from Ramadi City. Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have targeted ISIL positions within the city and along its perimeter, killing at least 11 gunmen, including an ISIL field commander in central Ramadi.

In Fallujah's southern sector, security forces have killed 5 ISIL gunmen and destroyed two explosives-rigged vehicles that had been intended to target a military barracks in the area.

Meanwhile, families are still leaving the city, using routes provided by the security forces, leading to western Fallujah. All the routes into and out of the city are now under the control of security forces.

In Garma, security forces are embroiled in fierce fighting around the town center which is now fully surrounded.

In western Anbar, the military is massing around Baghdadi ahead of the imminent liberation operation.

In Haditha, security forces have raised their state of alert following reports of an imminent ISIL assault on the areas around the township that has been relatively quiet amid the ongoing military preparations.

22 July 2015

In Ramadi today, security forces have taken control of the areas adjacent to the glass factory in the city's southwestern sector and have approached the former Anbar Operations headquarters in the western sector; airborne forces were also used  in the western sector action. The Special Forces command has reported that a major military operation has been launched to liberate the Anbar University campus in the southwestern sector; the forces have assaulted the campus amid fierce clashes in and around the campus.

To the east, security forces have advanced to the Eastern Gate of Ramadi that is adjacent to the Eastern Husayba, Khalidiya, and Juwayba areas, killing at least 17 ISIL gunmen.

In Fallujah, fighting is continuing along the city's southern perimeter, where security forces have killed at least 38 gunmen when they blew up three explosives-rigged vehicles before they could be used in attacking a number of military barracks in southwestern Fallujah. On the city's western perimeter, clashes have been underway in the Saqlawiya area.

A General Hospital sources have reported that  9 residents, including 3 women and 4 children, were killed and 23 others were injured by the continuing bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city's perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

21 July 2015

In Ramadi today, security forces in the southern sector are now 200 meters away from the Anbar University campus after having cleared all of the areas to the south. The forces, supported by People's Mobilization and tribal fighters, have also taken control of the areas between the university and western Ramadi. Fighting has also been taking place in the areas separating the city's outskirts and the Euphrates in the city's northern sector. Security sources are reporting that their forces now control 80% of the areas east and northeast of the city. Meanwhile, Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have been targeting positions around the city's perimeter and other ISIL positions within the city. Security forces have reported that at least 12 gunmen were killed by the strikes. Dozens of families are still making their way out of the city in response to loudspeaker calls for such an exit, even though ISIL gunmen have still been trying to prevent the evacuation.

In Fallujah, security forces have moved their front lines closer into the city; fierce clashes erupted in the Saqlawiya area, as the government forces stretched their control over the main Fallujah-Baghdad Highway. Indiscriminate bombardments by security forces on the city's perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city have, according to the General Hospital's report, killed 7 residents, including 3 women and one child, and injured at least 23 others. Meanwhile ISIL gunmen are still preventing Fallujah residents from leaving their city. The ones that succeed in leaving are heading for the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing that has been closed for four days.

The humanitarian situation there is dismal, especially during the current summer heat, as a result of the shortages of foodstuffs and the lack of relief aid.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, ISIL mortar fire has again struck the town's southern reaches.

In Garma, security forces are still trying to fight their way into the town center. 

20 July 2015

In Fallujah today, ISIL gunmen have attacked the barracks of the the Iraqi army's 3rd Regiment in the industrial zone of southern Fallujah. The Regiment's commanding officer and 3 Iraqi soldiers were killed, as were at least 17 of the attacking gunmen. The fighting lasted for more than three hours, but security forces supported by Iraqi and Coalition air strikes were ultimately able to turn back the attackers.

In military operations along the city's perimeter, security forces have been reinforcing their positions while launching mortar and artillery attacks on ISIL positions in the outskirts of the city; security sources have reported that 9 ISIL gunmen, including 3 non-Iraqi Arab snipers were killed. The Fallujah General Hospital has reported that the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges have struck a number of residential districts, killing 3 residents and injuring 9.

In Garma, the Federal Police's 30th Regiment has clashed with ISIL gunmen around the town's center that is still the scene of fierce clashes for its control.

In Ramadi, General Ra'ed Jawdat of the Federal Police has announced that security forces have killed 11 ISIL gunmen in the Eastern Husayba Township in an attack mounted by government forces.

In Ramadi's southern sector, security forces have taken control of the entire highway connecting the southern and western districts of the city. Hundreds of families are still evacuating the city, and there have been loudspeaker calls upon the city's civilian to leave the city, in anticipation of the imminent assault on the provincial capital.

19 July 2015

In Ramadi today and after four days of fighting, security forces have been able to liberate the southern sector's Tash 1 and Tash 2 areas up to the Anbar University. Security forces and the 'Golden' Brigade  have announced that their forces are within one kilometer of the University where they have fully surrounded the campus.

Security forces have also liberated areas between Eastern Husayba and the Mudhef areas east of Ramadi. Iraqi and Coalition air craft and army artillery have also bombarded a number of ISIL-held positions along the eastern and northeastern fronts of Ramadi. The security forces have reported killing at least 72 ISIL gunmen, including 17 snipers, in the Ramadi clashes. Intelligence revealed today by Anbar Operations shows that ISIL gunmen are pulling back from the city's perimeter areas toward the Ramadi City center. Meanwhile ISIL families are evacuating the city, heading toward Hit Township. The gunmen have also blown up the 'Olympic Stadium' in Ramadi's western sector. They have also planted explosives in a number of the city's buildings that they plan to detonate as they withdraw. The gunmen are also pursuing some of their fighters who have abandoned the fight and fled.

In Fallujah, security forces have today completed the liberation of Saqlawiya Township in western Fallujah. Clashes in the city's outskirts have killed at least 12 gunmen. Meanwhile, large numbers of Fallujah families have been evacuating the city, heading for Baghdad via the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing. 15 ISIL gunmen who had infiltrated the ranks of the refugees were arrested there today and are being held by Anbar Police in Amiriyat Al-Fallujah.

In Garma, most of the town is now under security forces' control, but fierce fighting is continuing for the town's center.

In Haditha and Baghdadi, there have been clashes in the riverside areas across the Euphrates from Baghdadi and around the town's southern residential complex.

17 July 2015

In Ramadi  today, security forces have established control over areas around Ramadi while tightening their stranglehold on the eastern areas where they are now in total control of eastern Husayba and Juwayba, and of the areas across the river from the city. Fierce clashes have been underway in the eastern outskirts where 3 explosives-rigged were blown up before the ISIL gunmen could drive them toward their intended targets. Military operations have also been underway in the southern and southwestern outskirts of the city, and in the city's western areas. Iraqi and Coalition air strikes today have killed at least 13 ISIL gunmen in the southwestern sector. In northern Ramadi, security forces have taken control of the Ramadi-Fallujah Highway, and are now slowly advancing into the city. They are having to clear numerous explosive devices along their way, an effort that is hampering their advance. Meanwhile, security forces have established three routes through which many Ramadi families are departing the city.

In Fallujah, the city is surrounded on six fronts; military operations are underway in the city's southwestern outskirts, including Saqlawiya, and eastward alongside the Fallujah-Baghdad Highway. Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have also targeted ISIL positions within Fallujah. The General Hospital is reporting that 8 residents, including one child, have been killed, and at least 15 injured, including 4 women.

Air strikes have also been launched at the areas around Garma, but in spite of the advances made by security forces into the town, they have yet to take full control of the town center.

Meanwhile ISIL gunmen are still preventing civilians from leaving Fallujah where they are using them as human shields, but security forces have been able to establish two routes that Fallujah families can use to leave the city. Those who left are still stranded and facing the closure of the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing.

15 July 2015

Military operations are underway in various parts of the province for the third straight day within the overall major campaign to liberate all of Anbar by expelling all the ISIL gunmen from the province.

In Fallujah, security forces are blockading the city on six fronts. During the night, the security forces took control of the main highway to Baghdad. Meanwhile, there have not been any direct confrontations between the forces and the ISIL gunmen within the city, as Iraqi air strikes have been targeting ISIL positions and concentrations. 23 gunmen have been confirmed killed in various parts of the city. Security forces have also opened a number of routes that are allowing Fallujah residents to leave the city after having been prevented from doing so by the gunmen.

In Ramadi, security forces have succeeded overnight in advancing deeper into the city from a number of directions while liberating the outlying areas.

The successes achieved have been somewhat surprising, as the areas the security forces are now liberating had been firmly under ISIL control for a long time.

13 July 2015

At 02:00 today, the launch of the major military operation to liberate Anbar was announced. Fallujah was the scene of the initial action, with a six-pronged assault: mainly in the southern, western, and northwestern sectors. Security forces on the city's perimeter have reported that they have advanced about 200 meters from their original positions. Heavy aerial bombardment targeted many of the city's outskirts in addition to the central districts. Security forces have also reported that they lured a large number of ISIL gunmen into an ambush they set up at a military barracks, killing at least 23 gunmen.

A major military operation was also launched in Ramadi from four fronts: in the southern, eastern, and southwestern sectors. An ISIL field commander was killed in the fighting in the northeastern sector of the city. Anbar Operations have announced that the air campaign is still continuing and that the ground offensive has not yet been launched on Ramadi. Meanwhile Iraqi and Coalition air attacks have been targeting positions in Ramadi, Fallujah, and Garma.

Meanwhile, Anbar Operations, Anbar Police, and the Defense Ministry have confirmed that more than 10,000 fighters are involved in the campaign, in addition to more than 5,000 tribal volunteers.

Security forces have also announced that the campaign will increase in scope to include the Province's western regions: Hit, Ana, Rawa, Haditha, Rutba, Al-Qaim have not yet seen any of today's action but will be included in the upcoming phase of the campaign.

There have also been reports indicating that the ISIL commanders in Fallujah - particularly the foreigners - have been fleeing the city, and sources are reporting that 12 ISIL gunmen were killed in Fallujah - a first for Fallujah in over a year. Reports are also indicating that many of the explosions in Fallujah were detonated by units previously infiltrated into the city by security forces.

12 July 2015

In Fallujah today, security forces have strengthened their stranglehold on the city’s perimeter. The city had been subjected to intensive bombardment since dawn yesterday, throughout the day, and on into the early hours of this morning. Security forces are increasing their state of readiness, amid reports that this is in fact the start of the military operation, but these reports were denied. The liberation assault on the city is now reported as being imminent. Military reinforcements have also been deployed around the city, while air strikes have been targeting ISIL positions within the city. People’s Mobilization fighters have also been deployed, and two of their commanders – Hadi Al-Amiry and Mehdi Al-Muhandis – have also arrived to take part in the ground offensive on the city. However, heavy mortar and rocket fire has struck a number of the city’s residential districts, causing large numbers of civilian casualties. The General Hospital reported today that 17 residents have been killed, including 4 women and 5 children, and 19 have been injured by the bombardment.

In Ramadi, security forces are poised for a major assault that could coincide with the assault on Fallujah; Iraqi air support has again been striking targets and positions around and within the city, specifically to the east of the city and in its southern sector.

In Saqlawiya, security forces have announced their complete control of the southwestern areas of the township west of Fallujah.

In Garma, fierce fighting is continuing for the control of the town center, while the township’s surroundings have all been liberated. 

11 July 2015

In Khalidiya today, security forces have liberated the Bu-Flays area of the township, one day after it was occupied by ISIL gunmen. In fierce clashes the forces killed at least 19 of the gunmen, according to security sources.

Meanwhile Iraqi and Coalition air strikes against targets along Ramadi’s perimeter, hitting a number of ISIL positions where the gunmen are suspected of preparing for a new assault on the areas east of Ramadi. Those eastern areas have today been re-supplied with weapons and military transports and vehicles, in addition to large numbers of tribal fighters. Military operations are meanwhile continuing in Ramadi’s southwestern sector in the areas across the Euphrates from Ramadi City.

Families are continuing to leave Ramadi following the security forces’ success in opening a breach in the ISIL lines.

In Saqlawiya today, security forces have liberated all of the township’s areas to the west of Fallujah.

Within Fallujah, the city is fully surrounded; indiscriminate mortar bombardment exchanges between the security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. A General Hospital source has reported that 9 residents have been killed and 15 injured by the mortar fire; most of the dead and injured are women and children.

In Garma, ISIL gunmen are still controlling the town center, but security forces are controlling most of the areas and districts around the center.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, the township is still bracing for a further assault by ISIL gunmen onto the strip separating the township from Fallujah City.

10 July 2015

At dawn this morning, ISIL launched a broad military operation against the Khalidiya township east of Ramadi. It was a three-pronged attack: from Khalidiya Island, the Bu-Hazeem area, and the areas lying between Khalidiya Township and Ramadi City. The ISIL attackers used 7 explosives-rigged vehicles in assaulting the eastern areas of the Province; mortar fire and handheld weapons were also used by the gunmen. Initially, the ISIL gunmen advanced into eastern Husayba and its surroundings, but the intervention by Iraqi air support enabled the security forces and tribal fighters to turn back the attackers and to retake all of the areas initially overrun by the gunmen, Security forces have reported killing 11 ISIL gunmen in the fighting. Iraqi air units bombed and sank a number of boats that the gunmen used in crossing the Euphrates at Khalidiya. Six ISIL vehicles and transports were also hit and set ablaze. 2 ISIL snipers were also killed. Meanwhile, reinforcements and volunteers have been deployed to bolster the security forces’ positions at Khalidiya.

In central Ramadi, Iraqi air units have carried out strikes against ISIL positions within the city; 5 gunmen were killed by the strikes.

Security forces have established control over 75-80% of the Saqlawiya area of southwestern Fallujah. Iraqi air strikes on the area have killed at least 11 ISIL gunmen.

In Fallujah, heavy indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city have, according to a General Hospital source killed at least 11 residents, including women and children, and injured at least 27 others.

In Garma, security forces are reporting fierce battles for the control of the town center. Earlier reports stated that an ISIL field commander was killed in the Garma area.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, strict security measures were imposed following the ISIL attack on Khalidiya Township. 

09 July 2015

The Anbar Council announced today that more than 70% of the Saqlawiya area is now under the security forces’ control. The Council also stated that the next phase will be an assault on Fallujah to liberate it from the ISIL gunmen, reaffirming that Fallujah is now fully surrounded by security forces. Meanwhile the central and northern districts of the city have been bombarded from the air. The ongoing indiscriminate bombardment between the security forces and the ISIL gunmen has, according to a General Hospital source, killed 7 residents, including 3 women and a child, and injured 19 others.

In Garma, security forces have killed 5 ISIL gunmen in their continuing drive to enter and liberate the town center, given that all the access roads and streets have been mined and many buildings have been rigged with explosives by the gunmen. Meanwhile, security sources have reported that their forces have liberated all of the areas between Garma twnship and the the administrative boundary with Salahuddin Province.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah since yesterday evening, the township has been bombarded by ISIL mortar fire. At least 30 mortar rounds have struck a number of the town’s districts, causing major structural damage within the town.

In Ramadi, strict security measures are being enforced all around the city’s perimeter, while fierce clashes have been underway in eastern Husayba and Juwayba, east of the city. Coalition and Iraqi air strikes have once again targeted a number of ISIL positions within the city: there are reports that 7 gunmen have been killed by the strikes.

In Baghdadi, strict security measures are in force, following a number of ISIL attacks during the past two days. Clashes between security forces and attacking gunmen erupted in the southwestern sector of the town where the town’s residential complex is located.

08 July 2015

In Saqlawiya and the areas around Fallujah, fierce clashes are continuing in the areas west of Fallujah, aimed at establishing a stranglehold on the ISIL-held city, prior to the awaited military operation to liberate the city.

In Garma, ISIL gunmen are preventing resident families from fleeing to safer areas outside the township, while some families have been killed while attempting to make their way out. The residential districts in Saqlawiya have been hit by mortar fire. Two families, each one consisting of 8 members were all killed by the gunmen. The mortar bombardment killed at least 23 residents, mostly women and children, and wounded at least 29 in and around Saqlawiya.

In Fallujah, the General Hospital has reported that 12 residents, including 3 women and 4 children, were killed and at least 19 were wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces holding the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen occupying the city. The city’s central and northern residential districts were most affected by the incoming bombardment.

In Ramadi, security forces are still holding the entire perimeter of the city, while aerial attacks are being launched against ISIL positions and concentrations within the city’s northern and northeastern districts. Other air attacks have similarly targeted positions in the southern sector.

07 July 2015

In Fallujah today, the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city have, according to the latest General Hospital count, killed at least 42 residents, including women and children, and wounded at least 72. The incoming fire struck the central and northern residential districts, and Saqlawiya, Sichir, and Nu’aymiya. There has also been a mass migration of Fallujah civilians trying to find safer areas elsewhere.

Meanwhile Iraqi gun ships and Coalition warplanes have carried out air strikes on a number of ISIL positions, reportedly killing at least 23 gunmen.

In Garma, fighting is continuing around the town center that security forces have not yet been able to enter. Most of the towns, other districts and environs have also been the scenes of clashes and bombardments.

In Ramadi, strict security measures are still in place around the city’s perimeter, while security forces have turned back a number of probing attacks east of Ramadi, and in the city’s northern sector.

Iraqi gun ships have again targeted a number of ISIL positions all over the city. There were also clashes in the southwestern sector of the city, and security forces were able to blow up 3 explosive-rigged vehicles

ISIL gunmen have carried out attacks in Haditha, Baghdadi, Haqlaniya, and Birwana; security forces successfully turned back the attacking gunmen. There have also been clashes in southwestern Haditha. Iraqi air support and Coalition warplanes have also been in action against targets along Haditha’s perimeter.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, security forces have reported that ISIL mortar fire has struck within the town, wounding 4 civilians and causing heavy structural damage to buildings within the town.

06 July 2015

In Haditha today, ISIL has launched the second attack of its kind in two days, from the east and from the northwest of the township. The attack involved six explosives-rigged vehicles that attempted to penetrate into parts of Haqlaniya and Khasfa, but security forces with Iraqi air support bombed three of the vehicles before they could reach their targets. The other three vehicles became involved in a direct confrontation. The ensuing clashes are still continuing, amid reports that ISIL forces are planning further attacks.

Also today, ISIL launched an attack on Baghdadi that lies between Hit and Haditha. Security forces repelled two attacks: from the east and from the southwest. Many mortar rounds were fired by the gunmen at the residential complex in southwestern Baghdadi. Security forces have announced that they are in control of the situation, although some skirmishes are still taking place.

Beginning last night, security forces are involved in a major military operation to liberate the Saqlawiya area in the countryside of Fallujah. They have liberated the Technical Institute building in Saqlawiya and the Saqwlawiya Bridge that links the area to Fallujah. ISIL gunmen have been preventing Saqlawiya residents from fleeing to other areas of the Province.

The Fallujah General Hospital has confirmed that 24 civilians were killed and at least 59 wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city.

05 July 2015

In Ramadi today, Iraqi gun ships struck a location being used as a playground by children in central Ramadi. The latest casualty count lists 36 residents as being killed and 24 as being wounded. This represents the highest number of casualties to fall in a single incident.

In Haditha, an ISIL attack using 6 explosives-rigged vehicles was launched from the western outskirts of the town. Security forces were able to destroy the vehicles and to thwart the attack aimed at seizing the town’s western sector. All of the gunmen aboard the vehicles were killed.

In Garma, security forces are still surrounding the town center but they have not been able to overrun the ISIL position in the center, but they have killed at least 9 of the gunmen.

People’s Mobilization fighters have taken control of the ‘Japanese’ Bridge and three Saqlawiya areas in the southwestern outskirts of Fallujah. The areas across the bridge have also been taken over by security forces.

In Fallujah, the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city has resulted in the killing of at least 17 residents including 4 children and 3 women, and wounding at least 28 by the bombardment of the city’s central and northern residential districts.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, stringent security measures are still in place, ahead of an expected ISIL attack. Meanwhile, ISIL mortar has caused material damage within the town but there were no casualties. 

04 July 2015

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source announced today that at least 21 residents were killed and at least 35 were wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces controlling the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city for more than one year. The affected areas have been the central and southern residential districts. 4 civilians were also killed and at least 17 were wounded in the Saqlawiya area that also sustained extensive material damage.

In Garma, there have been fierce clashes between security forces attempting to move into and seize the town center and the ISIL gunmen who are still in control of the center. A number of gunmen were killed, including one of their leading snipers.

In Ramadi, security forces are still surrounding the city; they have not yet advanced on the ground, while air attacks are being launched against targets and positions in central, northern, and southwestern sectors of the city. Anbar Operations have reported that at least 11 ISIL gunmen have been killed by the air campaign.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, mortar, rocket, and artillery fire has struck the town’s residential districts, wounding 3 residents. Meanwhile, security forces are still enforcing a curfew on the township’s southern and southwestern sectors in anticipation of an imminent reported ISIL attack.

02 July 2015

In the areas between Garma and Fallujah, ISIL has launched a number of attacks on the military barracks in the southwestern sector of Fallujah and the areas around Garma township. A number of security personnel and People’s Mobilization fighters were killed and more recent reports indicate that at least 18 of the ISIL gunmen were killed. Within Fallujah, heavy mortar and artillery bombardment as part of the daily bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city, has, according to General Hospital sources, killed 13 residents and wounded 9, mostly women and children. 

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, a curfew has been in place since yesterday evening throughout the town, in anticipation of a reported imminent ISIL attack on the township. 

In Ramadi, security forces are maintaining their stranglehold around the city’s perimeter. The forces have gained ground into the eastern reaches of Ramadi. Iraqi gun ships have once again struck a number of targets and ISIL positions. Reports indicate that at least 22 gunmen were killed in those strikes in Ramadi’s southeastern and southwestern sectors. 

In Baghdadi and Haditha, the situation remains unchanged, with residents experiencing severe hardship as a result of the huge shortages of food and medical supplies.

30 June 2015

In Baghdadi, the joint security forces there, supported by tribal fighters, have launched a major military operation. The forces have taken control of the Jubba area across the Euphrates in southwestern Baghdadi. The forces have killed at least 23 ISIL gunmen, with the support of Iraqi gun ships and Coalition warplanes. The liberated areas had been under ISIL control for three months.

In western Baghdadi, in the Bu-Hayat area, security forces have clashed with the ISIL gunmen there, but have not yet been able to establish full control. Security sources are reporting that they now hold about 80% of the Bu-Hayat area. In eastern Baghdadi, security forces have wrested control over the area from the ISIL gunmen.

All three combat zones are still the scene of fierce clashes.

In Ramadi, ISIL forces have attacked the areas to the east of the city, in Eastern Husayba, Juwayba, and Bu-Farraj. Security forces were able to thwart the attacks, killing at least 17 of the gunmen.

In southwestern Ramadi, Iraqi and Coalition air strikes have foiled attempts by ISIL gunmen to penetrate into the sector.

In Fallujah, indiscriminate bombardment exchanges are continuing between security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. A General Hospital source has reported that at least 7 residents were killed and at least 13 were wounded by the bombardment of the central, southern, and northern residential districts.

In Garma, the situation remains unchanged, with security forces continuing their drive aimed at gaining control of the town’s center.

29 June 2015

In the western township of Al-Qaim on the border with Syria, Coalition warplanes launched a series of air strikes on a number of areas there, including Akashat and its phosphate plant, where large numbers of ISIL gunmen had gathered for a series of meetings. A security source has reported that dozens of the gunmen were killed.

In Ramadi, security forces are reinforcing their stranglehold on the city’s perimeter areas, while clashes were continuing in the Eastern Husayba and Juwayba to the east of the city. Coalition warplanes and Iraqi gun ships struck a number of ISIL positions, killing at least 13 gunmen. More than 800 additional tribal volunteers have been deployed to support the security forces.

An Anbar Council source has reported today that the Council has asked the Prime Minister to withdraw the People’s Mobilization forces that breached discipline by setting fire to a number of homes in the Nukhaib area, including the home of Sheikh Mit’ib Al-Unaizi, a tribal leader of the Unizza tribe. Residents have been accusing the force members of also setting fire to private vehicles in those areas.

In Fallujah, the General Hospital announced today that 9 residents, including 3 women and 4 children, were killed and 11 others were wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. Central and northern residential districts were hit.

In Garma, The ‘Garma Dawn’ military operation to liberate the town center was launched last night and clashes have been continuing throughout the day. But security forces have not yet been able to penetrate into and seize the town center.

In Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, mortar and rocket fire during the night has struck the town’s residential districts, causing extensive structural damage.

28 June 2015

In Fallujah today, a General Hospital source has reported that the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between the security forces controlling the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen that have been holding the city itself for more than a year have killed 15 residents, including 4 women and 3 children, and wounded at least 27. Clashes are ongoing and several residential districts have been hit by mortar and rocket fire.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, security forces have turned back one of the fiercest ISIL attacks northeast of the town that has also been subjected to incoming bombardment of its residential districts. Two explosives-rigged vehicles were blown up by security forces.

In Ramadi, stringent security measures have been adopted all along the city’s perimeter. The Anbar Police commander announced today that more than 1,000 tribal volunteers have completed their training and have been deployed in support of the security forces. Their have been some skirmishes in the city’s eastern and northeastern areas, in eastern Husayba, and Juwayba. Iraqi gun ships have attacked a number of targets in various districts, killing at least 4 ISIL gunmen in Bu-Farraj.

In Hit, sorties by Iraqi gun ships over the last two days have struck a number of ISIL positions, killing 7 ISIL gunmen. Three civilians were also killed and 7 were wounded by the strikes. 

27 June 2015

In Ramadi, security forces are still consolidating their stranglehold on the city's perimeter. Sources are reporting that military supplies and equipment have arrived today, and that more than 1,000 People's Mobilization fighters from Ramadi itself are to be deployed in support of the security forces. There were some clashes on the eastern ans northeastern outskirts of the city.

Iraqi and Coalition aircraft have carried out a number of sorties against several positions within the city,and an Anbar Operations source has confirmed that at least 12 ISIL gunmen were killed in northeastern Ramadi.

In Fallujah today, the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces along the city's perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city have, as per a General Hospital source, killed 8 residents, including 3 children and a woman, and wounded 9 others, in the northern and central residential districts of Fallujah.

In Garma, security forces have now penetrated 3 km. deep into the town and established control over the southern industrial sector and the areas between Garma and the Salahuddin Province boundary. Iraqi and Coalition air strikes are reported to have killed at least 4 ISIL gunmen and destroyed 4 of their vehicles that were about to be booby-trapped.

The humanitarian situation remains unchanged in various parts of Ramadi and Khalidiya, as well as the Amiriyat al-Fallujah, the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing, and the tourist village at Habbaniya. All the families at all these encampments are struggling with the summer heat, the lack of electricity, and severe shortages of food supplies.

26 June 2015

In Baghdadi, ISIL today attacked the township on two fronts: from the west and from the south, against the areas between Baghdadi and Haditha. Security forces with Iraqi air support were able to repel both attacks while killing 8 ISIL gunmen; however some security personnel within the town were wounded. Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes carried out a number of strikes that have enabled the security to maintain control of their positions. Meanwhile, military and humanitarian supplies have also reached the blockaded areas in Baghdadi township. People’s Mobilization militiamen have also been deployed to the area.  

In Ramadi, clashes are underway in the eastern and northeastern areas, while security forces are still blockading the city along its perimeter. Iraqi and coalition aircraft are continuing their strikes on a number of targets and positions within the city. There are reports that 3 ISIL gunmen, including a field commander, have been killed in the southern sector’s Hawz district.

In Fallujah, a General Hospital source announced today that 8 residents were killed and 19 were wounded by thee ongoing random bombardment exchanges between the security forces controlling the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city itself for over a year. The incoming fire struck a number of Fallujah’s residential districts.

In Garma, security forces have liberated portions of the town’s southern industrial district. The town’s center is still surrounded by security forces that are due to launch a final assault to wrest control of the center.

25 June 2015

In Hit township today, Iraqi gunships and coalition warplanes carried out a number of sorties, striking the Shari’a Courthouse and the agricultural complex in central Hit, where intelligence reports indicated that ISIL meetings and gatherings were underway at both locations. Subsequent contacts with sources within the town indicate that the bodies of dozens of ISIL gunmen were lying in the streets, and that ISIL commanders gathered at the courthouse were also killed. The strikes began early this morning and continued throughout the morning. The former Women’s Association building in Hit was also hit.

Meanwhile in Ramadi, the city is still fully besieged; large numbers of the People’s Mobilization fighters have also been deployed in support of the security forces around the city. Iraqi gunships and coalition warplanes have once again struck various areas of the city in advance of the imminent major ground military operation to liberate the city. The strikes are reported by Anbar Operations as having killed at least 11 ISIL gunmen. Security forces in the southern an southwestern sectors are continuing in their efforts to clear routes out of the city to enable residents to evacuate from ISIL-controlled districts.

In Fallujah, the intense bombardment of the city has continued for the tenth straight day; the General Hospital reported today that 9 residents, including 3 children and 2 women, were killed and 21 others wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges.

In Garma, the security situation remains unchanged, with security forces still trying to assault the town center after having cleared most of the surrounding areas and districts.

In western Anbar, security force have repelled ISIL’s advances from the southwestern sector of Haditha and the Jubba area across the river from Baghdadi.

24 June 2015

Iraqi aircraft have attacked number of positions today in the Akashat area of Al-Qaim township on the Syrian border. Sources have reported that at least 47 ISIL gunmen were killed in the raids.

The attacks were made following intelligence reports of special gatherings and meetings in that area.

In Ramadi, military operations are still ongoing along the city’s perimeter. Security forces have today killed at least 11 gunmen in the eastern and northeastern outskirts of Ramadi.

Iraqi air support has also struck targets and positions in central Ramadi; a number of civilians were killed by mortar fire striking the city’s central marketplace.

In Fallujah, heavy bombardment has again struck a number of the city’s residential districts. This was part of the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. A General Hospital source reported today that 7 residents have been killed and 19 wounded by the bombardments.

In Garma, fierce clashes are still going on and heavy bombardment has targeted the town’s central districts and the Sichir area. Six civilians have been killed and 3 wounded.

In Baghdadi, strong calls have been made bylocal residents to the central government for urgent food aid, following ISIL’s seizure of the town’s perimeter and the blockade it has imposed that has been preventing the arrival of any relief aid.

Meanwhile thousands of families are experiencing severe living conditions in Bzaybiz, Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, and Khalidiyah encampments.

23 June 2015

In Ramadi today, military preparations are continuing along the city’s perimeter; there have been some marginal clashes, especially in the eastern, southern, and southwestern sectors, but the major liberation campaign has not yet begun. Security forces have repelled an ISIL attack in the southwestern sector, and have opened up a number of routes that enable Ramadi’s residents to use in exiting the city. In the areas to the east and northeast of Ramadi, security forces supported by Iraqi gun ships have bombarded a number of positions in the Bu-Farraj, Juwayba, and Eastern Husayba, killing at least 11 gunmen according to security sources.

In Fallujah, which has during the past week been the scene of the heaviest bombardment ever by security forces, as well as by the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city for more than one year. A General Hospital source has reported today that 11 residents, including women and children, were killed and at least 28 were wounded by the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges.

In Garma, with security forces close to achieving full control of the town, clashes are still going on, as are the mine and IED disarming operations within the town. Meanwhile, families have been returning to their homes in the outskirts and surrounding areas, following their liberation by security forces.

In Baghdadi, ISIL carried out a probing operation in the Jubba area, but were repelled by security forces that are reported to have killed 3 of the attacking gunmen. 

22 June 2015

In Ramadi today, security forces are still tightening their grip around the city’s perimeter, while some partial military operations are continuing in the areas northeast of the city – from Eastern Husayba and on to Juwayba and the areas across and along the Euphrates River. Security forces have also advanced to within 2 km from the ISIL front lines within the perimeter. Security forces have also carried out a partial operation in the city’s southwestern quadrant where they were able to liberate a number of Ramadi residents who had been under ISIL control. Meanwhile, Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes have today struck a number of positions in various parts of the city, including the Hawz, Andalus, Bu-Farraj, and Bu-Ghanim areas. At least 9 ISIL gunmen, including one of their field commanders, were killed in the southern Andalus district.

In Fallujah, the indiscriminate bombardment exchanges are continuing between security forces on the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city; 9 residents, including 3 women and 2 children were killed today and at least 24 were wounded in a number of the city’s residential districts by the exchanges.

Food and relief supplies are practically non-existent for the families stranded at the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing, and within the Amiriyat al-Fallujah, and Khalidiya refugee camps.

21 June 2015

In Ramadi today, security forces were able to advance toward the city’s eastern areas, particularly in Eastern Husayba and Juwayba. The forces are now about 2 km from the Anbar administrative boundary. Iraqi air support has struck a number of positions in the area and in the city’s northeastern sectors. Anbar Operations sources have reported that at least 13 ISIL gunmen were killed in the riverside areas on the opposite bank from Ramadi.

There have also been skirmishes instigated by ISIL gunmen in the southern and western sectors; the gunmen were turned back by security forces backed up by Iraqi air support.

In Fallujah, the continuing indiscriminate bombardments between the security forces holding the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen controlling the city itself have killed 9 residents, including women and children, and wounded at least 17. The incoming fire struck a number of the city’s central and northern residential districts.

In Garma, military operations are continuing while security forces have not yet been able to take full control of the town center. The ongoing clashes are the fiercest the township has witnessed for more than one year.

In Baghdadi and Haditha townships, ISIL gunmen attempted during the night to infiltrate Haditha’s western sector, but security forces with Iraqi air support have thwarted these attempts. Meanwhile the situation in Baghdadi is reported calm.

20 June 2015

In Ramadi today, joint security forces supported by People’s Mobilization fighters along the city’s perimeter thwarted two attacks by ISIL gunmen: the first was in the Eastern Husayba area east of Ramadi, where fierce clashes enabled security forces to fend off the attack, while Iraqi air support struck a number of ISIL convoys, setting ablaxe a number of their vehicles; the second attack was in the southwestern sector of the city, where security forces also turned back the attackers after fierce clashes with the gunmen.

Meanwhile Iraqi gun ships attacked a number of ISIL positions in northeastern Ramadi. Security forces are still in a  state of readiness for the imminent military campaign to liberate Ramadi. There are reports that Iraqi gun ships have dropped flyers calling on the residents to evacuate the city in order to stay out of harm’s way during the campaign.

In Fallujah today, military operations are underway in the city’s southwestern sector; 3 suicide bombers attempted to blow themselves up at a barracks in the sector, but were thwarted by security forces; 8 gunmen were killed in the ensuing clashes.

Security forces are still fighting over the control of Garma’s town center.

A Fallujah General Hospital source has reported that 3 children were and 9 residents wounded by the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment exchanges between security forces controlling the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen within the city.

In western Anbar, Haditha and Baghdadi Townships are relatively calm today; no clashes have been reported in either area.

The humanitarian situation is still unchanged, with hundreds or thousands of families still sheltering in refugee camps in Khalidiya, Habbaniya, Amiriyat Al-Fallujah, and at the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing. Food aid is only trickling in, while summer temperatures are exacerbating the suffering during these early days of Ramadan.

19 June 2015

In Ramadi, ISIL gunmen today launched numerous attacks, trying to gain ground in the eastern and northeastern areas of the city.

Security forces successfully thwarted the attacks, especially in the eastern Husayba and Jubba areas along both banks of the Euphrates. Iraqi air support has, since the early hours of this morning, carried out a number of sorties against positions believed to be manned by the gunmen. Security sources have reported that at least 23 gunmen were killed in the eastern sector of the city.

Clashes have also spread to the southern and southwestern sectors, where security forces have advanced and set up new front lines.

Meanwhile a security operation has given security forces control over all of the access roads between Hit and Ramadi.

In Garma today, security forces have declared their control over the town center, following a 10-day battle to achieve that goal.

Most of the roads and streets within the township had been mined and rigged with explosive devices that the advancing forces have been disabling during their advance into the town center. Four ISIL gunmen were killed by security forces in the outskirts of the town.

In Fallujah, an initial casualty count shows that 5 residents were killed and 9 were wounded by the continuing random bombardment exchanges between security forces around the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been controlling the city for over one year.

On the humanitarian front, high summer temperatures are adding to the suffering of the displaced migrants who are still struggling with food shortages and the lack of relief aid.

18 June 2015

An Anbar Operations source has announced that security forces have today succeeded in overrunning the center of Garma and have established control over broad portions of the center that is regarded as being one of the last of ISIL’s strongholds.

Meanwhile the Anbar Police Command has denied reports that an Iraqi Army helicopter has been shot down.

In Fallujah, clashes and mortar fire have intensified between the security forces along the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen holding the city. The General Hospital reported today that 7 residents, including 2 children and one woman have been killed and 9 wounded by the random bombardment exchanges. 

In Ramadi, strict security measures and precautions are in place amid the military preparations in the city’s suburbs. Iraqi gun ships have again carried out air strikes in a number of Ramadi’s districts, including Hawz and Al-Andalus.

Elsewhere in Anbar, the commanding officer of the Jazeera and Badiya Operations, Nasser Al-Ghannam, has asked the Defense Ministry to relieve him of his command, apparently in response to ‘frivolous’ actions at the Ministry.

Security forces and Iraqi air support have thwarted ISIL attempts to gain control of the Baghdadi and Haditha areas. 

On this first day of Ramadan, hundreds of migrant families are still stalled at the Bzaybiz Bridge crossing and in Amiriyat al-Fallujah, where they are experiencing severe hardships coinciding with the rise in temperatures and the lack of foodstuffs and other humanitarian needs.

17 June 2015

In Ramadi’s outskirts, strict security measures are still in place and preparations are continuing for the imminent broad-scale campaign to liberate the city. The local police commander announced today that security forces are fully prepared for the ground campaign to liberate the city. 

Meanwhile fierce clashes took place along the city’s southern and southwestern perimeters, in addition to the eastern Husayba area and on towards the riverside areas in northeastern Ramadi.

Iraqi air support has carried out a number of sorties against targets along the perimeter of the city and also in its central districts. So far, Anbar Operations have reported that 7 ISIL gunmen were killed in the clashes and strikes. Meanwhile the city is fully blockaded by security forces. 

In Fallujah today, for the third consecutive day, has been heavily bombarded by mortar fire. The General Hospital has reported that 7 residents were killed and 9 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges between the security forces controlling the city’s perimeter and the ISIL gunmen who have been holding the city itself for more than a year. 

In Hit township, Iraqi air units have struck a military camp known as the ‘Abu Mus’ab Al-Zarqawi Camp’ in the township’s southwestern sector. There are reports that at least 23 ISIL gunmen, including six of their leaders in the Hit area, were killed there. 

The Defense Minister arrived today in Haditha township. He ordered the urgent dispatch of relief aid to the Haditha and Baghdadi areas. 

In Garma, security forces have infiltrated into the town center, but fierce fighting is continuing for control of the town’s center.

16 June 2015

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, ISIL gunmen fired at least 25 Katyusha rockets at residential districts within the town. So far, reports say that 3 local police personnel were killed and 5 civilians were wounded by the bombardment. Security forces barracks on the outskirts of the township were also hit. A curfew has been declared in the southwestern sector of the township where fierce clashes are now underway.

In Ramadi, security forces are reported to be advancing from all four directions, in preparation for the broad military campaign aimed at re-taking control of the city that has been held by ISIL for over a month.

In Hit township, security forces announced this morning that the ISIL ‘Wali’ of Hit, a Saudi national known as Abu Talha, was killed by silenced weapons at 03:00 this morning in the town center. This is the first time that a leading ISIL commander has been killed in Hit that is still under ISIL control.

In Baghdadi and Haditha, clashes have continued in the southern and southwestern areas of Baghdadi township. Iraqi air support has struck a number of positions, particularly along the Euphrates in the Jubba area. Security forces have reported that 11 gunmen were killed in the strikes.

Food aid has arrived today in the Baghdadi and Haditha townships, just prior to the start of Ramadan.

In Fallujah, casualty reports show that 4 residents were killed and 9 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges.

In Garma, security forces are still engaged in the fighting to take control of the town center. 

15 June 2015

The Deputy Prime Minister, Baha’a Al-A’araji today visited the eastern Husayba area east of Ramadi where he observed the latest preparations for the launch of a broad military operation to liberate Ramadi. The Deputy PM was accompanied by a large number of commanders and parliamentary Deputies involved in overseeing the security situation throughout Iraq. The visit coincided with the arrival of new military equipment in Anbar. All of the security forces’ commanders had previously confirmed that preparations are in full swing for the impending military operation in Ramadi.

Meanwhile, security forces have launched a number of limited military operations all around the outskirts of the city. Iraqi air support and Coalition warplanes have also attacked a number of ISIL positions in central Ramadi. Eleven gunmen are reported to have been killed. Meanwhile ISIL have set up large video screens in Ramadi’s public areas, to show footage of the victories they have achieved over the past 18 months in Iraq. ISIL has also continued to forbid families from leaving the city. All of the roads around Ramadi have been mined and booby-trapped, to thwart the advance of security forces.

Coalition warplanes today launched air strikes against targets in Baghdadi, Kubaisa, and Saqlawiya.

In Baghdadi township, ISIL gunmen have attacked the Jubba area in the township’s southwestern sector. The attackers used a number of explosives-rigged vehicles and mortar bombardment in their assault on the areas controlled by security forces. The attack was repelled by security forces, Iraqi air support, and Coalition air strikes.

In and around Garma, fierce fighting is continuing, with security forces now in control of the surrounding areas and the areas separating Anbar from Salahuddin Province. Families have begun to return to Garma’s liberated districts while fighting is continuing for the control of the town’s center.

In Fallujah, reports are still emerging regarding an imminent all-out assault on the city, while the ISIL gunmen within the city have been preventing civilian families from leaving the city. Some residential districts have been hit by mortar fire, killing 2 residents and wounding 6. 

14 June 2015

In Baghdadi today, ISIL gunmen have assaulted a number of military barracks on the southwestern edges of the town, using 4 explosives-rigged vehicles, two of which were blown up by security forces before they reached their targets. Fierce clashes ensued, also involving Iraqi air support that struck several ISIL positions. The security situation in the area is one of caution, following reports of an imminent ISIL assault on the residential complex from areas across the river from the town.

Security forces, tribal fighters, and People’s Mobilization volunteers are engaged in fierce clashes in and around Garma, following the success of the joint forces in taking control of most of the areas between Garma and the Salahuddin - Samarra boundary.

The Defense Minister visited the liberated areas in Garma township where he undertook to provide the tribal forces with the weapons they need to hold the ground.

In Ramadi, the city is still fully blockaded amid reports of an impending military operation within the coming days, following the reinforcing and re-arming of the security forces around the city.

Iraqi and Coalition aircraft have carried out strikes in the Bu-Farraj area and on towards Shjariya, as well as the industrial and central districts of Ramadi. Casualty figures are not yet known.

In Fallujah, the General Hospital reported today that 3 residents were killed and 9 wounded by the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment exchanges into and out of the city.