Iraqi troops clear bombs in Ramadi after driving out IS

31 December 2015, 4:09 pm

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Iraqi troops are removing bombs and debris from the city center of Ramadi days after driving out Islamic State fighters, as rainy weather slows further combat operations.

Anbar Provincial Council head Sabah Karhout tells The Associated Press that sporadic clashes and airstrikes are taking place in areas that are still under IS control. He says a major offensive to clear the remainder of the provincial capital is on hold due to the bad weather.

He says families are still trapped in the IS-held areas of the city, where they are being used as human shields.

On Monday, Iraqi forces backed by US-led airstrikes drove IS out of the city center. IS captured Ramadi in May despite months of US-led airstrikes, dealing a major blow to Iraqi forces.

— AP