LOC23:38
20:38 GMT
BAGHDAD, March 3 (KUNA) -- Iraq's Defense Ministry announced Tuesday that military forces are making new gains in the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) in Salahuddine Governorate, northwestern the Iraqi capital.
Military troops from the Dijla operations command, consisting of the 5th infantry division squad, police forces, local backup, and warplanes, were able to clear villages of Bo-Rayash, Bo-Essa, and Bo-Talha, the ministry said in a statement, adding that troops are currently advancing towards cities of Tikrit and Alam.
Iraqi forces were also able to seize a large ISIL training camp in Hamrin Mountains, eastern Tikrit, and destroy five car bombs that were parked there, it noted, adding that forces were also able to take over a main crossing from ISIL's control, which links Bo-Essa and Mubarak Al-Farhan areas towards Mutaibjeya in western Tikrit.
Meanwhile, military troops are currently proceeding to clear the entire Saladin governorate in accordance with the plan, the ministry said. (end)
ahh.ma