BAGHDAD – Iraqi’s security officials said Islamic State fighters on Friday launched a major attack in western Iraq where the militant group already controls some areas, triggering fierce clashes with government troops.
Kadhem al-Fahdawi, Chief of Anbar Police, said in Baghdad that the extremists used car bombs and mortars in the offensive targeting Ramadi, the main city of the mostly Sunni western province of Anbar.
“Daesh insurgents today mounted a violent attack on Ramadi from four directions,” he said.
“Security forces, backed by tribal fighters and the air force, are trying to repulse the assault,” he added.
Meanwhile, a witness who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Islamic State targeted key government buildings in the centre of Ramadi, some 110 kilometres west of the capital Baghdad.
He said the radical Sunni group captured some areas in Anbar earlier this year, taking advantage of the local Sunnis’ displeasure with the Shiite-led central government in Baghdad at the time.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said, in remarks released Friday, that the fight against the Islamic State required “true and sincere international cooperation”.
“The United States and its Arab allies have been engaged in an aerial bombing campaign against the Islamic State in Syria, but have refused to coordinate with Damascus,’’ he said.
“The Islamic State has not come out of thin air, but for all I care only a true and sincere international cooperation” will be able to confront the Islamic State,” he added.
His comments come just days after U.S President Barack Obama ruled out any alliance with the Syrian regime in the fight against the extremist group.
The US has repeatedly demanded that al-Assad step down to end Syria’s four-year conflict, which has so far claimed the lives of at least 200,000 peoples. (dpa/NAN)
