WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Iraqi Security Forces are conducting a large-scale military operation against ISIL in a number of areas of the country, including the western Anbar province.
The forces have been trying to recapture Ramadi, the capital of the province, from the Islamic militants since July.
"They [Iraqi forces] have not completed the encirclement of the city," Warren said. "The enemy [ISIL] has established complex and in many cases sophisticated defensive barriers along the various avenues of approach into Ramadi."
Iraqi forces need to take the Palestine Bridge on the Euphrates in order to constrict ISIL's ability to resupply and communicate.
Taking Ramadi will be difficult, he added, because the Islamic State has had months to prepare complex urban defenses that will make for a dangerous fight.
