Iraqi forces regain parts of Ramadi from ISIL grip

BAGHDAD, May 17 (KUNA) -- Iraqi army forces, backed by airstrikes launched by coalition, have regained some territories in the central of city of Ramadi from grip of Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL), Defense Ministry has said.
Iraqi forces were in full control of Al-Mukhabarat neighborhood in Ramadi, the capital city of Al-Anbar Governorate, while SWAT troops regained 75 percent of Al-Malab Area, a key stronghold of ISIL, the ministry said in a statement.
Iraqi airforce bombarded three bridges to restrict ISIL movements, it added.
Coalition aircraft, noted the ministry, also bombed ISIL positions in Ramadi thus forcing the militants to withdraw from the government building they occupied yesterday.
The ministry did not put a death toll among ISIL militants but said they inflicted heavy losses.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi said yesterday the Iraqi forces would not allow the fallout of Ramadi in ISIL hands. (end) ahh.bs