Iraqi forces clear over 70 pct of Fallujah from IS - US official

WASHINGTON, June 24 (KUNA) -- Iraqi government forces have cleared more than 70 percent of the Iraqi city of Fallujah from the so-called Islamic State (IS), said a US official Friday.
"The loss of Fallujah will further deny (IS) access to a province critically important to its overall goals. It will also reduce their ability to threaten civilians in Baghdad," said Pentagon Spokesperson Peter Cook to reporters.
In the past five weeks since ground troops began operations, 100 airstrikes have been conducted by the Coalition over the city, Cook added.
Separately, the spokesperson confirmed that airstrikes were carried out in the "southern portion" of Afghanistan.
Details of the exact location could not be revealed due to operational security but the spokesperson did note that the intended targets were hit. (end) ak.mb