Ahlul Bayt News Agency - A top provincial official in Iraq’s Anbar province says up to 50 soldiers have been killed by ISIS militants in two separate ambushes in the turbulent region west of Baghdad.
Sabah Al-Karhout, president of the Anbar Provincial Council, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the ambushes took place Friday west of the provincial capital, Ramadi.
He had no more details and there was no immediate word from authorities on the violence.
Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi on Saturday toured the army’s command in Anbar. During a meeting with troops there, a Defense Ministry statement said al-Obeidi counseled that forces must use “caution and precision” when advancing to avoid “unjustified losses.”
ISIS controls about a third of Iraq, including much of Anbar.
Later yesterday, it was confirmed that al-Obeidi fired the commander in charge of a brigade. His name was not revealed but he was let go because he failed to carry out his duties. The minister said there is no place for those who don’t carry out their missions and commands.
No one knows if the minister’s visit and the firing of the commander were linked to the ambush that left at least 50 soldiers dead. The Islamic State group is currently in control of many areas around Iraq and Syria, where they operate and recruit members.
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