Iraqi forces retake control of key area in Anbar Province

Iraqi soldiers, supported by fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units, have liberated a strategic area in the western province of Anbar.

A senior Iraqi military official said on Tuesday that the soldiers retaken full control of Jebbeh near the city of Hit.

The official said a massive offensive by the government forces drove the ISIL Takfiri militants from the area.

Iraqi fighter jets also pounded militant hideouts and ammunition depots in the western region.

On Monday, Iraqi forces brought security back to the oil-rich city of Baiji in the northern province of Salahuddin after wresting full control of the area. Dozens of terrorists were killed or injured after Asaib Ahl al-Haq (The League of the Righteous) group launched a massive operation to purge Baiji from ISIL.

Iraqi forces deploy in Baiji during fighting against ISIL to try to retake the strategic northern Iraqi city, June 9, 2015. (AFP photo)

Iraq’s western and northern parts plunged into violence when ISIL began its march through the Iraqi territory in June 2014.

The army, backed by Shia volunteers and Sunni tribes, has stepped up operations to win back terrorist-held regions in joint operations.