Eastern Ramadi Completely Retaken from the 'Islamic State'

The Joint Operations Command of Iraq announced on Tuesday, February 9, that the areas east of Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, which connects the city to Baghdad, have been completely cleared of the presence of 'Islamic State' militants (ISIS), and the main road linking the city to Baghdad has been reopened. According to the statement broadcast by Iraqi state television, the operation involved the 'Counter-Terrorism Service, the 8th and 9th Divisions, Anbar police, and the Popular Mobilization Forces (Shiite militias)'. The statement adds that Iraqi joint forces retook several areas, including the eastern neighborhoods of Khusaybah located 10 kilometers east of Ramadi. Thousands of citizens were also moved from conflict areas to safe zones. About two months ago, the Iraqi government announced an advance against 'Islamic State' militants in Ramadi. At that time, Iraqi forces took control of the center of Ramadi and surrounding areas to the north, west, and south, but the eastern areas remained under militant control. This success boosted the morale of Iraqi military forces and solidified the position of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, especially since Ramadi is the first major city in Iraq to have been captured by 'Islamic State' militants after the onset of international coalition airstrikes led by the United States. The Iraqi Army statement noted that its forces retook areas from 'Islamic State' militants that connect Ramadi to the Al-Habaniyah base, where international coalition forces are stationed. The advances on Tuesday further tightened the siege of Fallujah, one of the strongholds of the 'Islamic State' group, located between Ramadi and Baghdad. Iraqi state television previously reported that 54 army personnel were killed in various attacks by 'Islamic State' militants in Anbar province. According to this report, 18 Iraqi army personnel were killed in clashes with militants in the Juybah and Khusaybah areas east of Ramadi. Meanwhile, thousands of Iraqi army forces have been stationed at a military base in the Makhmour area in northern Iraq, preparing for operations to retake Mosul from 'Islamic State' militants. Mosul is considered the main stronghold of 'Islamic State' in Iraq. According to reports from French news agency AFP citing Iraqi military officials, army units have begun to establish themselves at this military base. The initial goal of the operation is to cut off the supply lines of militants stationed in Mosul with the regions of Kirkuk, Hawija, and Baiji.