Iraqi Forces Retake Gov't Complex in Ramadi
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iraqi forces recaptured the former government compound in central Ramadi, the last stronghold of Daesh Takfiri militants in the western city, the spokesman for the country's counter-terrorism units announced.
"The complex is under our complete control, there is no presence whatsoever of Daesh fighters in the complex," Sabah al-Numan said on Sunday, adding, the entire perimeter must first be cleared of booby traps and mines before forces could move in.
"The operation is almost wrapped up. Our forces will enter in the coming hours."
"By controlling the complex this means that they have been defeated in Ramadi," he said, adding, "The next step is to clear pockets that could exist here or there in the city."
Iraqi forces had earlier in the day surrounded the complex in the capital of the western province of Anbar.
"We're seeing lots of Daesh bodies, killed in the airstrikes on the compound," Numan said, Press TV reported.
The offensive to clear the city from the last Daesh stronghold began five days ago.
In its next offensive, the army plans to move to retake the northern city of Mosul.
