Iraqi army gearing up for Anbar liberation battle - PM Abadi

BAGHDAD, March 2 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi said Monday that the Iraqi Army is getting ready to liberate Anbar province, calling on all people to unite in their confrontation with ISIL.
The Iraqi premier made his remarks during a speech he delivered to parliament members, noting that such military operation will liberate Anbar province from ISIL, through coordination with locals, tribes leaders, and security forces in the area.
Al-Abadi added that the battle against ISIL will not tolerate staying neutral because whoever stays neutral is siding with the other side. "This is a critical fight that must unite us as people and achieve security and safety in eliminating ISIL." The premier noted that among those rallying with them are Arab tribesmen leaders in Salahuddine province and other provinces.
Earlier, Iraqi forces penetrated into Tikrit's southern gate and seized one of the governmental buildings, while fierce confrontations were taking place in northern Samarra, as army forces were fighting to retake Al-Door town from ISIL forces. (end) ahh.mb