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World / Middle East

Iraqi forces retake Islamic State holdout in Falluja, declare battle over

Published: 26 Jun 2016 - 11:41 am | Last Updated: 11 Nov 2021 - 05:47 am
Peninsula

Members of the Iraqi counter-terrorism forces outside a hospital in Fallujah used by the Iraqi forces for emergency cases on June 23, 2016. AFP / HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI

 

BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces recaptured the last remaining district held by Islamic State militants in the city of Falluja on Sunday and the general commanding the operation declared the battle complete.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi claimed victory over Islamic State in Falluja more than a week ago but fighting continued inside the city, including in the Golan district.

"We announce from this place in central Golan district that it has been cleaned by the counter terrorism service and we convey the good news to the Iraqi people that the battle of Falluja is over," Lieutenant General Abdul Wahab al-Saidi told state TV.

At least 1,800 militants were killed in the operation to retake Falluja, he said.

Reuters