Deutsche Welle: Civilians told to leave 'IS'-held Iraqi city of Ramadi
A military statement has ordered civilians to leave the "Islamic State"-held city, without giving further details. Some analysts believe a major US-led operation to retake the city is imminent.
Monday's statement was broadcast on Iraqi state TV, requesting that Ramadi civilians leave the city from its southern Himaira area. No further details were given.
The announcement immediately fuelled speculation that a major operation by Iraqi forces to retake Ramadi from "Islamic State" ("IS") militants was about to begin.
The statement followed three days of air strikes in Iraq and Syria by the US-led coalition fighting the jihadist group, and was issued after Iraqi forces cut the last "IS" supply line into the city by seizing a key bridge.
IS militants were imposing a 5,500 euro ($6,000) levy for anyone who wanted to leave, the military said, adding that around 50,000 civilians have been prevented from traveling.
More News On The Iraq Military Preparing To Launch Their Long Awaited Offensive To Retake The Iraqi City Of Ramadi
Iraqi military tells civilians of Daesh-held city to leave -- AP
Iraqi army warns of imminent assault on IS-held Ramadi -- BBC
Iraqi army urges Ramadi citizens to evacuate -- Al Bawaba
Coalition Airstrikes Around Ramadi Prepare for Offensive to Recapture City from ISIS -- Newsweek
Iraqi Security Forces Advance On Ramadi From Two Sides After Capturing Key Supply Line, Bridge -- IBTimes
Ramadi in Government hands is a foregone conclusion or so it seems.
ReplyDeleteBut op tempo matters.
If you know you are going to lose you have options like tactical retreat or making the enemy pay as much as possible for every bit of ground.If the Ia takes too long, ISIS might make them pay in Ramadi while counterpunching somewhere else.
I mean this is obvious. My point is that taking forever to get something done and the situation might change elsewhere on the battlefield. Ia seems to have time but do they?