Iraqi forces on Saturday clashed with diehard jehadis from the ISIS group defending the former Government complex in the heart of the city of Ramadi.
After a major push on Tuesday that broke ISIS defences around the city centre, Government forces have been slowed by snipers, booby traps, roadside bombs and suicide attackers.
While initial hopes of a quick victory have faded, Iraq’s elite counter-terrorism service (CTS) and the army have advanced steadily through the devastated capital of Anbar province. They reached a key intersection in the Hoz neighbourhood home to the Government complex, whose recapture would go a long way towards ensuring a full recapture of Ramadi.
“There are fierce battles pitting members of the Daesh (an Arab acronym for ISIS) organisation against the Iraqi forces there now,” said Ahmed al-Dulaimi, a police captain.
He said the latest fighting had left at least two members of the Iraqi security forces dead and nine wounded.
At least three were killed yesterday, according to several senior officers and local officials.