The Iraqi army troops and Popular Mobilization units retook seven villages across Anbar province from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists, leaving scores of the Takfiri militants dead.
Scores of ISIL terrorists, including seven senior commanders, were killed during the liberation campaign Northeast of the central city of al-Karmah. The Iraqi Air Force targeted some of the Takfiri posts Northwest of the city.
“This region is the main gate to Baghdad. ISIL had been using it in recent months to dispatch explosives-loaded cars into the capital. At the same time, it is part of Anbar province. ISIL had established a base here,” said Abbas AbdSada, the commander of the 8th Regiment of popular forces.
The ISIL Takfiri terrorists have threatened all communities, as they continue their atrocities in Iraq and Syria.
Senior Iraqi officials have blamed Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and some Gulf Arab states for the growing terrorism in their country.
The ISIL has links with Saudi intelligence and is believed to be indirectly supported by the Israeli regime.
Iraqi troops thwart ISIL attack in Salahuddin
Iraqi government forces backed by Popular Mobilization units thwarted an attack by ISIL terrorists in Baiji city in Salahuddin.
The Iraqi forces foiled ISIL offensives on three districts of the oil-rich Northern city of Baiji, located some 210 kilometers (130 miles) North of Baghdad.
There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side.
Meanwhile, Two Iraqi policemen and as many volunteer fighters also died on Saturday, when a car rigged with explosives went off in Hajjaj district, situated seven kilometers (4.3 miles) South of Baiji.
Iranian, Iraqi provincial border commanders discuss cooperation
On the other hand, Iranian and Iraqi border guards commanders in a meeting in Wasit province, Eastern Iraq, discussed ways to reinforce security along the two countries’ shared borders and boosting mutual cooperation.
“The meeting was held in the Iraqi Wasit province to strengthen the two countries’ borders security,” Commander of Ilam province’s Border Guards LotfaliPakbaz told FNA on Saturday.
He reiterated that Ilam and Wasit provinces usually hold joint meetings to discuss issues related to border security.
In February, Iranian Border Guards Commander Brigadier General QassemRezayee said that strengthening border security stands atop the agenda of both Tehran and Baghdad officials.
In a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Major General Hussein Al-Awadhi in Shalamcheh borer point, Rezayee termed cooperation between Iranian and Iraqi border guards as acceptable, but meantime, emphasized the need for exchange of experiences.
In January, Brigadier General Rezayee announced the completion of mending and erecting separation fences at the Iran-Iraq borderline.
Rezayee said experts from both countries will start defining the exact borderlines according to the 1975 Algiers Agreement.
He hailed the improvements of Iran-Iraq border cooperation despite the hegemonic powers’ evil acts in Iraq.
Late in October, Iranian and Iraqi border commanders in a meeting in Baghdad discussed major security concerns along the two countries’ shared borders.
Brigadier General Rezayee and Major General Al-Awadhi exchanged views on the latest security conditions along the two countries’ 1400-kilometer-long borders in their fourth joint meeting.
Rezayee and Al-Awadhi who were accompanied by the two countries’ provincial border commanders, discussed ways to boost interactions and cooperation in controlling borders.
FNA
R.S