Channels

Iraqi forces say thwart Islamic State attack east of Ramadi

BAGHDAD - Iraqi forces said they fought off an overnight attack by Islamic State militants east of the city of Ramadi, which the insurgents overran at the weekend in the most significant setback for the government in a year.

 

The insurgents attacked government lines in Husaiba al-Sharqiya, about halfway between Ramadi and the Habbaniya military base, said police and pro-government forces.

 

"Daesh (Islamic State) attacked us around midnight after a wave of mortar shelling on our positions," Amir al-Fahdawi a leader of the pro-government Sunni tribal force in the area, told Reuters.

 

"This time they came from another direction in an attempt to launch a surprise attack, but we were vigilant and, after around four hours of fighting, we aborted their offensive," he added.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.20.15, 11:30