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 Iraqi gun ships and coalition warplanes also struck targets amid the attacking gunmen who have now withdrawn on both fronts: back across the Euphrates, and deep into the Sufiya area where security forces and elements of the ‘Golden’ Division have launched a military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.