Iraqi forces retake university from Islamic State

Iraqi forces have retaken Anbar University, near Ramadi, from the Islamic State group, Iraqi officials say.

Iraqi forces had recaptured parts of Anbar University in May, shortly after losing the provincial capital to the jihadists, but later pulled back.

The university has been retaken by elite forces from Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), known as the “Golden Brigade.”

“The Golden Brigade managed to liberate Anbar University with backing from the army as well as air support from the coalition and Iraqi aircraft,” says Brigadier General Abdelamir al-Khazraji, deputy commander of CTS forces in Anbar.

“Our forces liberated the university early Sunday and now have full control of it, following a week of fierce clashes,” he tells AFP.

“The Iraqi flag is flying above the university presidency once again,” he says.

A statement from CTS announces the Iraqi special forces had “inflicted heavy human and material losses on the enemy.”

— AFP and AP