Iraqi forces push into Islamic State held Ramadi.

Iraqi forces are attempting to move further into the centre of Ramadi, on the second day of an assault to drive Islamic State militants from the city.

Security officials say troops and Sunni tribal fighters have taken control of several districts and are advancing towards the main government complex.

The army's chief-of-staff expects the up to 300 militants inside the city centre to be dislodged within days.

But there is concern for the civilians they have reportedly taken prisoner.

Ramadi, a predominantly Sunni Arab city about 90km (55 miles) west of Baghdad, was captured by IS in May in an embarrassing defeat for the army.

Retaking it would be a "huge moral and strategic boost" for the Iraqi security forces, former national security adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie told the BBC.

Elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces launched the assault on central Ramadi at dawn on Tuesday, with the support of soldiers, police, Sunni tribesmen opposed to IS, and US-led coalition air strikes.

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Iraq declares Ramadi liberated from Islamic State

The Iraqi city of Ramadi has been "liberated" from so-called Islamic State, the Iraqi military has declared.

Spokesman Brig Gen Yahya Rasul said forces had achieved an "epic" victory and that the Iraqi flag had been raised over the government complex there.

Some reports indicate there are still pockets of resistance in the city.

Ramadi's recapture would mark a major reversal for the jihadist group. They had seized it in May, in an embarrassing defeat for the army.

Iraqi government forces had been fighting to retake it for weeks.

Troops managed to capture the government compound on Sunday, flushing out or killing Islamic State (IS) fighters and suicide bombers who had been holding out in the buildings.

Brig Gen Majid al-Fatlawi of the army's 8th division told AFP that IS fighters had "planted more than 300 explosive devices on the roads and in the buildings of the government complex".

Despite the declaration of victory, the head of military operations in Anbar, Gen Ismail al-Mahlawi, said retreating IS militants still controlled parts of the city, the Associated Press news agency reported.

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Miss wrote Should have never gotten involved in the first place.

I totally agree with you.

Syrian army making advance in and around Aleppo backed by Russian air power and Kurdish forces.
Kicking out FSA/Al Qaeda/Nusra and IS terrorists.

Rebel checkpoints in Aleppo have been handed over to Al Qaeda. ISIS and "rebel forces" have signed a non-aggression pact according to local medial. Syrian Army has found Qatari, Saudi and Turkish humanitarian aid in Al Nusra stronghold of Rityan.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that Canada would pull out six jets that have been bombing targets in Iraq and Syria, ending Canada's controversial combat role in the effort against Islamic State. [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

A Saudi military spokesman said Thursday the kingdom is ready to send ground troops to Syria to fight ISIS [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Syrian army troops recaptured a new village north of Aleppo Monday, bringing troops and allied militiamen to within a few kilometers of the Turkish border as part of a major Russian-backed offensive in the area [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

I'm curious as to who voted "No" on the poll... lol. I feel like i haven't heard anything on them recently, definitely not a bad thing.

Nice post, thanks for the info.

Syria ceasefire takes effect following UNSC endorsement

The US-Russian truce deal on cessation of hostilities in Syria came into effect at midnight Damascus time. The ceasefire does not apply to Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), Al-Nusra, or other terrorist organizations designated by the UN.

Earlier on Friday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution urging all parties involved in Syrian civil war to adhere to the terms of the US-Russian deal.

The US-Russia brokered ceasefire was first announced on February 22 by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama.

Under the Terms for a Cessation of Hostilities in Syria, the participants of the agreement are obligated to cease attacks with any weapons, including rockets, mortars, and anti-tank guided missiles and refrain from acquiring or seeking to acquire territory from other parties to the ceasefire. They must also allow unhindered and sustained access to humanitarian assistance missions and employ only proportional force in self-defense against those not party to the agreement.

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Latest updates on cessation of hostilities in Syria based on tweets from those living in Syria:



Updates as of 23:07 GMT time

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#SAA #RuAF continue operations in #Latakia CS. #Hama CS is calm. #FSA shells Gov controlled #Aleppo. Airstrikes on west #Aleppo

Update as of 23:13 GMT time

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Updates as of Saturday 11:53 GMT

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Updates as of Sunday 15:13 GMT