Govt Forces Push Deeper Into Ramadi

Iraqi forces have moved deeper into Ramadi, pressing an offensive to drive Islamic State militants from the city.

Bombs and booby traps have been slowing their advance, army officials say.

Troops and Sunni tribal fighters were about 500m (550 yards) from the main local government office.

They have taken control of several districts since launching the operation five days ago. The mainly Sunni Arab city, about 55 miles (90km) west of Baghdad, was captured by IS in May.

Its fall was seen as an embarrassing defeat for the army.

Iraqi officials say troops have managed to enter Haouz area – one of the most important IS strongholds in the centre of Ramadi that includes the main offices of the Anbar province administration and the police directorate.

Joint operations command spokesman Brig Yahya Rasool told Reuters news agency US-led coalition air strikes “helped detonate explosive devices and booby-trapped houses, facilitating our advance”.

also extended into neighbouring Syria.