Noon (0900 GMT)
A spokesman for Iraq’s Shiite militias says an operation launched to retake the western Anbar province from the Islamic State group will “not last for a long time” and that Iraqi forces have surrounded the provincial capital, Ramadi, from three sides.
Ahmed al-Assadi, who is also a member of parliament, told reporters Tuesday that new weapons are being used in the battle “that will surprise the enemy.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Iraqi state TV announced a major operation to retake Anbar, parts of which have been held by the Islamic State since early 2014. It did not provide further details.
The government has called on Shiite militias to help the army retake the Sunni province, raising concerns the offensive could heighten sectarian tensions.