17 March 2015

In Ramadi, the central and northern districts have been relatively calm following the lifting of the curfew. However the southern sector, especially in the Hawz district, was the scene of fierce battles involving Iraqi air support that targeted a number of ISIL positions. Anbar Operations sources are reporting that at least 7 gunmen have been killed. Security forces have also discovered another tunnel leading toward the government complex in the city center. In western Ramadi, security forces have arrested more than 7 suspected ISIL informers. A would-be suicide bomber was also killed in the area. In northeastern Ramadi, security forces have forced the ISIL gunmen in the area to withdraw and are now involved in mine and explosives clearing operations.

In Garma, military operations are continuing in their drive to liberate the township. Security forces have surrounded the town while the gunmen are reported to be laying mines and booby-trapping buildings within the town.

In Fallujah, a source at the general hospital has just reported that 4 residents have been killed and 11 wounded by the ongoing random bombardment exchanges.

In Amiriyat al-Fallujah, some of the residential districts have come under mortar fire; 4 residents are reported injured.