On Saturday, May 23, Reuters reported from Iraq that a group of Shia militants, alongside the Iraqi army, has launched a counteroffensive to reclaim areas recently captured by the Islamic State group. According to a spokesperson for one of the Shia groups in Iraq, these forces have set out from a base near the city of Ramadi to fight against the Islamic State or ISIS. Previously, on Monday of the last week, Reuters reported that about three thousand Shia militants had entered a military base near this city to participate in its liberation operation. Mohannad Haymour, spokesperson for the Anbar governor, confirmed on Sunday evening, May 17, that Ramadi, the center of this province, has been completely captured by the Islamic State forces. The Islamic State's attacks on the city of Ramadi intensified three days prior, and on Friday, May 15, the group managed to take control of the provincial governor's building in the city. Now, Reuters reports that hundreds of Shia militants entered Khalidiya on Saturday and then headed towards Sidikiyah, two small towns near Ramadi. According to Jaafar Hosseini, spokesperson for the Hezbollah Brigades, this group dispatched more than two thousand of its forces towards Ramadi on Saturday and has declared Khalidiya safe. The Sunni-majority city of Ramadi is the center of Iraq's largest province, and reports indicate that since last Sunday, while the black flag of ISIS has been raised over the provincial governor's building, thousands of families from Ramadi have fled the city. In this context, the United Nations reported on Friday that about 55,000 people from Ramadi have fled and most have taken refuge in other parts of Anbar province, which shares borders with Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. ISIS used 'waves of suicide car bomb attacks' to seize this city on Thursday and Friday of the last week. In this regard, ISIS forces reached 'five kilometers' from the base of the Shia militias in Iraq. American officials stated that Iran has sent artillery and soldiers to Baiji, Iraq. The Security Council expressed 'deep concern' over the situation of civilians in Palmyra.
Counteroffensive by Shia Militias and Iraqi Army to Retake Ramadi
Shia militias and the Iraqi army have launched a counteroffensive to retake Ramadi from ISIS, which has recently intensified its attacks and captured key areas. This situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands fleeing the city. The involvement of Iranian forces adds complexity to the regional dynamics.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Shia militias and the Iraqi army launched a counteroffensive to retake Ramadi from ISIS, which had recently intensified its attacks and captured key areas. The situation has led to a significant humanitarian crisis with thousands fleeing the city.
- ISIS captured Ramadi, leading to the displacement of approximately 55,000 people.
- Iran has reportedly sent military support to assist Shia forces in Iraq.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The rise of ISIS has led to significant territorial losses for Iraq, prompting a complex response involving various armed groups and foreign influences.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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