Iraq re-takes last IS-held town

Baghdad Nov 17 (IANS/AKI) Iraqi forces aided by the US-led coalition on Friday re-took Rawa -- the last Islamic State foothold in Iraq the Iraqi army and the US special presidential envoy to the coalition Brett McGurk announced.

"Iraqi forces with coalition support announce the liberation of #Rawa in #Anbar province among the last populated areas in #Iraq held by #ISIS terrorists. Days of its phony "caliphate" are coming to an end " McGurk tweeted.

Rawa in western Anbar province had a population of about 20 000 prior to its capture by IS in 2014 Kurdish broadcaster Rudaw reported on its website.

Military operations to push IS out of the area began last week and Friday s assault started at dawn and was completed at midday Rudaw quoted the army as saying.

Operations are ongoing to clear the surrounding desert and secure the border with Syria Rudaw cited Iraq s premier and armed forces commander-in-chief Haider al-Abadi as saying.

--IANS/AKI
ahm/dg