Iraqi forces launch counter-attack against Islamic State in Anbar
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Iraqi security forces launched a counter-attack on Islamic State in the western province of Anbar on Monday, seeking to reverse an early setback in a new campaign to recapture the country's Sunni heartland.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the new Anbar offensive last week, but Islamic State then overran two districts on the northern outskirts of the provincial capital Ramadi.
A policeman in one of those districts, Albu Faraj, said security forces had recaptured around 40 percent of it on Monday, but were facing stiff resistance from the militants.
Islamic State has reinforced its ranks with fighters from elsewhere in the province and planted bombs to hinder the advance, Anbar provincial council member, Athal al-Fahdawi, said.
