Iraq Strengthens Fight against ISIS, Sends more Troops to Ramadi

Iraq sent Special Forces to attack the Islamic State in the city of Ramadi, the country's military revealed on Tuesday.

The Iraqi forces combined with U.S.-trained tribal fighters were aiming to regain control over the capital, which fell under ISIS's control in May. ISIS is another name for the Islamic State. They attacked ISIS in the southeastern district of the city along the Euphrates Rivers and were able to recapture some neighborhoods.

"We managed through our security forces and volunteers to achieve victories," the Iraqi leader said via his official website. "The good news today is [that we are] taking back and liberating Ramadi. Plus we are [now more] determined to liberate Mosul."

The military stated that the operation to take back the entire city is expected to last a few days. The Wall Street Journal reported that there are up to 350 ISIS fighters still stationed in the city.

"We are encouraged by this tactical development, which is a continuation of the progress we've seen over the last several weeks," said U.S. Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition.

He acknowledged that the forces still have a long way to go in order to get back the city.

"There is a lot of dense terrain here that needs to be negotiated," Warren noted.

Per the New York Times,

"The recapture of Ramadi, which is in the center of Iraq, about 60 miles from Baghdad, would be the most important in a series of recent setbacks for the Islamic State, and the first major success for Iraqi Army troops fighting without support from Kurdish or Shiite Muslim militias, the country's most effective fighting forces."

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has praised the country's efforts.