Iraq launches operation to retake Anbar town

Iraqi forces took full control of Rutbah town that was captured by the terrorist Daesh group, said the military media cell of the Joint Operations Command Tuesday.

Anbar Operations Commander Ismail al Mahalawi said that the Iraqi troops managed to expel Daesh fighters from Rutbah town and the national flag was raised over local government buildings. 

Military operations are still ongoing in Anbar province, Mahalawi stressed.

Rutbah town, located in western Al Anbar province, is completely inhabited with Sunni Muslims. 

Its population is approximately 22,000. It occupies a strategic location on the Amman-Baghdad road, and the Mosul–Haifa oil pipeline.

Source: MENA