Special to WorldTribune.com

Iraqi forces pushed into the center of Ramadi on Dec. 22 in an offensive aimed at driving out Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) jihadists.

“Our forces are advancing toward the government complex in the center of Ramadi,” Iraqi counter-terrorism units’ spokesman Sabah al-Numani said. “The fighting is in the neighborhoods around the complex, with support from the air force.

“It’s a ferocious fight, it’s premature to say how long it will take but we can say victory will be achieved in a few days,” Numani said.

Ramadi, a Sunni Muslim city on the Euphrates river situated some 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Baghdad, was seized by ISIL in early May. Local Sunni tribes are said to be aiding Iraq’s effort to retake the city.

Numani said Iraq launched the Dec. 22 offensive at dawn with units crossing the Euphrates river into Ramadi’s central districts using a bridge that was destroyed by ISIL but fixed by army engineers. A floating bridge was set up to bring in more forces.

“Crossing the river was the main difficulty,” he said. “We’re facing sniper fire and suicide bombers who are trying to slow our advance, we’re dealing with them with air force support.”

If the offensive in Ramadi is successful, it will be the second major Iraqi city after Tikrit to be retaken from ISIL.

U.S. officials have warned Iraq against the use of Iran-backed Shi’ite militias in retaking Ramadi from the hardline Sunni militants to avoid further fanning sectarian tensions.

  Euphrates, Iraq forces retaking control of Ramadi with help of Sunni tribes, ISIL, Sabah al-Numani, WorldTribune.com