According to Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr, Ramadi, the Iraqi city that suddenly fell to ISIS control and raised questions about Baghdad’s ability to combat the terror group, is now back in Iraqi hands after a heavy military push this past week. Aided by U.S.-led airstrikes, the inroads came after Iraqi troops’ counterterrorism unit members and federal police officers targeted ISIS militants from three sides in a 24-hour period. U.S. Central Command said it launched six strikes Monday around Ramadi, hitting two ISIS tactical units and destroying weaponry, ammunition and supply caches, buildings, and a vehicle. Iraq’s Joint Military Command reported 60% of the Anbar province city has been retaken, including a one-time Iraqi military headquarters in northern Ramadi, as well as western and southern parts of the city. According to the military, dozens of ISIS fighters died in the operation. It’s not clear if there were any Iraqi casualties. Iraqi troops also managed to confiscate a large amount of weaponry. The U.S. will continue its fight to secure Iraq.
