Iraqi forces launched the second phase of the al-Khalidiya Island liberation operation, which involves clearing the remaining surrounding villages and districts of any "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) presence, Anbar Operations Command said Friday (August 19th).
“The operation was launched from the centre of al-Khalidiya Island which was fully liberated in the first phase,” Anbar Military Operations Commander Maj. Gen. Ismail al-Mahalawi told Diyaruna.
Information suggests there are around 150 ISIL fighters in the area, he said.
