Iraqi forces on Thursday launched an offensive to retake the desert areas bordering Syria from the Islamic State (IS).
In a Facebook post, the Joint Operations Command said this was the second phase of the offensive aimed at liberating the Upper Euphrates region, located between the provinces of Saladin, Nineveh and Anbar, reports Efe news.
On Tuesday, Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said victory over the IS would be announced "soon".
"We defeated IS from a military perspective. Our offensives to clear the desert regions are ongoing and we will declare victory very soon."
Last week, the Iraqi forces seized Rawa, the last major IS-held town in the western part of Anbar province.
Over the past year, Iraqi troops, backed by the US-led international coalition, have recaptured almost all areas under IS control, including the northern city of Mosul, the group's former bastion in Iraq.
--IANS
ksk/bg
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
