The Iraqi army has secured the outskirts of Ramadi, three days after driving out Islamic State militants from the city center. But there are still many threats to security in the capital of Anbar province.
About 700 Islamic State fighters are believed to be hiding in the centre and eastern outskirts of Ramadi. A US-led coalition intelligence officer told reporters that in Baghdad on Wednesday.
The militants also laid a large amount of explosives along streets and in buildings. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered for the explosives to be cleared immediately, and basic services restored to allow safe return of civilians to their homes.
The UN estimates initial reconstruction needs will require about US$20 million. The recapture of Ramadi marks a milestone for the Iraqi forces against ISIL, who swept through a third of Iraq in 2014.
中文国际网摘编:GAN JADE |