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Large group of ISIL militants flee Iraq Baiji: Ministry

Members of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units cross a river in the area of Sayed Ghareeb, near Dujail, some 70 kilometres north of the capital, Baghdad, on May 28, 2015. (AFP photo)

A large group of the ISIL Takfiri militants have fled the central parts of the northern Iraqi city of Baiji in the restive Salahuddin Province, Iraq’s Defense Ministry says.

According to a statement released by the Iraqi ministry, the Takfiri militants escaped from the center of the city following the arrival of the security forces and volunteer fighters.

The statement added, “Our regiments of the army and al-Hashed al-Sha’bi [volunteer forces] are advancing into the refinery of Baiji after cleansing the road of Tal Abu Garad.”

The statement further noted that the Iraqi forces managed to destroy a vehicle carrying ammunition and kill all militants inside the vehicle in an area west of Baiji.

Reports also said that Iraqi security forces and volunteer fighters succeeded in clearing 70 percent of the Baiji oil refinery of ISIL terrorists. Clashes are ongoing around the refinery.

Elsewhere in Salahuddin Province, the Iraqi forces managed to liberate eight areas in the southwestern part of the city of Samarra from the terrorist group.

”The army’s 17th brigade, with direct support from the Federal Police Forces, al-Hashed al-Sha’bi fighters and the army’s air force, have managed to liberate the areas of al-Sumailat, al-Kasarat, al-Qarsabiyah, Baslush, al-Amana, Om al-Talaib, al-Busail and al-Tal al Faransi located in southwest of Samarra,” a statement by the Iraqi Defense Ministry said.

An Iraqi fighter from the Popular Mobilization Units keeps position in al-Nibaie area, northwest of the capital, Baghdad, on May 27, 2015. (AFP photo)

The statement further said that heavy losses were inflicted on the Takfiri group, adding that Iraqi forces have arrived in the northern part of al-Nabai and al-Lain areas.

Also on Saturday, Iraqi troops, backed by volunteer forces, captured Morur district, southwest of the flashpoint city of Ramadi in the western Anbar Province from ISIL terrorists.

Reports said that Iraqi forces are planning to deploy heavy weaponry in the area as they are gaining the upper hand over ISIL terrorists on the outskirts of Ramadi. Parts of the city fell into the hands of ISIL militants on May 17.

Iraqi forces, along with Popular Mobilization Units, are fighting against the ISIL Takfiri militants to retake the city.

IA/HMV/SS


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