Iraq Launches Major Fightback On IS In Anbar

Iraqi troops have launched a major operation to retake control of Anbar province from Islamic State.

It comes two weeks after they suffered a humiliating defeat in the provincial capital of Ramadi.

US airstrikes have done little to stop extremists taking control of large parts of the province, which is west of Baghdad.

But the Pentagon confirmed Iraqi forces have now begun "shaping operations" and "security zone interactions" - actions expected to precede major combat in or around Ramadi.

Iraqi state TV says the push is being backed by both Shia militias and those Sunni fighters who support the government.

Ahmed Al-Assadi, from the Shia militia group Popular Mobilisation Front, said the operation would "not last for a long time" and that Iraqi forces have surrounded Ramadi on three sides.

He added: "The Iraqi troops will launch a widespread attack to liberate Ramadi.

"New weapons have been used in this battle and the enemy will be surprised at such arms."

The launch of the operation in Anbar comes just days after US officials, including defence secretary Ash Carter, criticised Iraqi forces, saying they fled Ramadi without fighting back, leaving behind weapons and vehicles for the extremists.

And the operation to claw back ground has already suffered a setback in the shape of a sandstorm.

Provincial councilman Faleh al-Issawi said: "There is zero visibility on the front lines and our men are highly concerned that they might come under attack by Daesh (IS) in such bad weather."

Meanwhile, Shia forces have drawn criticism for giving the operation an openly sectarian codename that could infuriate the Sunni population.

"Labaik ya Hussein" is a slogan in honour of the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, killed in a seventh century battle that led to the schism between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

The US described the codename as "unhelpful" while France accused the Shia-led government of failing to represent fully the interests of all Iraqis.

The loss of Ramadi a week ago was swiftly followed by the fall of the UNESCO heritage city of Palmyra in Syria - prompting fears that archaeological ruins would be destroyed.

However, a video released by a media arm of the Islamic State group purportedly shows no damage has been caused.