Iraqi forces are proceeding with operations to liberate Upper Euphrates areas from the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL), al-Jazeera and al-Badiya Commander Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Muhammadi said Thursday (January 12th).

“Iraqi forces have in two days liberated more than five kilometres of land that ISIL was controlling in Wadi al-Abyadh, south al-Khafsa and the Old Camp west of Anah,” al-Muahammdi told Diyaruna.

“At least 20 terrorists have been killed and their vehicles have been destroyed, while various weapons, including a locally-made rocket launcher, have been seized,” he said.

“Our forces will start moving towards Anah in the coming days to liberate it from ISIL, after completing the recapture of the desert areas between Haditha and Anah,” he said.

Iraqi forces on January 5th launched an offensive aimed at retaking towns under ISIL control in western areas near the border with Syria, AFP reported.

The operation, led by the army's 7th division, police and fighters from local tribes, with aerial backing from the international coalition, is targeting the westernmost Iraqi towns along the Euphrates Valley.