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Final Countdown: Iraqi Army Closer to Liberating Ramadi From Daesh

© Sputnik / StringerIraqi security forces gather to advance towards the center of Ramadi city, December 24, 2015
Iraqi security forces gather to advance towards the center of Ramadi city, December 24, 2015 - Sputnik International
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The Iraqi Army has reportedly launched a spate of massive attacks against Daesh in the strategic city of Ramadi, which have prompted the jihadist group's ringleaders to flee the city.

Iraqi soldiers advance their position in northern Ramadi, 70 miles (115 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 - Sputnik International
Run, Daesh, Run: Iraqi Forces Gain Upper Hand in Ramadi
An array of Daesh ringleaders had to escape their hideouts in the Iraqi city of Ramadi after the country's army launched massive attacks against Daesh earlier this week, according to the Iranian news agency FARS.

The agency quoted Yasser al-Dulaimi, a spokesman for the Anbar police, as saying that the army is continuing its offensive against the jihadists in order to fully regain control of the city.

"Several Daesh ringleaders and the terrorist group's members have fled the remaining areas in Ramadi [and are heading] towards the Soufiya and Sajariya regions in the eastern parts of the city," Yasser al-Dulaimi said.

© AP Photo / Osama SamiA national flag waves on an Iraqi Army Abrams tank as Iraqi forces supported by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes advance their position during clashes with Islamic State group in the western suburbs of Ramadi, Nov. 21, 2015
A national flag waves on an Iraqi Army Abrams tank as Iraqi forces supported by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes advance their position during clashes with Islamic State group in the western suburbs of Ramadi, Nov. 21, 2015 - Sputnik International
A national flag waves on an Iraqi Army Abrams tank as Iraqi forces supported by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes advance their position during clashes with Islamic State group in the western suburbs of Ramadi, Nov. 21, 2015

He pointed to "the intensive and continued attacks of the Iraqi forces, their artillery fire and airstrikes," which he said had prodded Daesh ringleaders to flee the city located in central Iraq's Anbar province, about 110 kilometers (68 miles) west of the capital Baghdad.

FARS also cited Raed Raisan, senior commander of the volunteer forces, as saying that the Iraqi forces had managed to make significant advance in Ramadi after they reached the Tigris River and started entering the city center after crossing al-Khor bridge.

Meanwhile, Ramadi residents have warmly welcomed army troops into the liberated areas of the city, with the army now reportedly heading toward the al-Humaira region south of Ramadi, according to media reports.

Iraqi security forces take combat positions at the front-line with Islamic State group militants as Iraqi Army and allied Sunni volunteer tribal fighters are supported by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes in Ramadi, the capital of Iraq's Anbar province, 70 miles (115 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 - Sputnik International
Liberation of Ramadi: Operation Could 'Yield Good News' in Several Days
In another development, the army's special forces attacked Daesh hideouts in the al-Zubat neighborhood of the city, and started liberating government buildings in the al-Hoz district of Ramadi.

Earlier this week, Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Othman al-Ghanimi said his troops needed only days to completely drive Daesh out of Ramadi, which has been under Daesh control since May 2015.

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