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2017 Western Iraq campaign

January 30, 2023

The 2017 Western Iraq campaign was the final major military operation of the 2013–2017 war in Iraq, in the western province of Anbar, and on the border with Syria, with the goal of completely expelling ISIL forces from their last strongholds in Iraq.[9][10]

2017 Western Iraq campaign
Part of the War in Iraq

Map of the Iraqi advances in Western Iraq
Date26 October – 9 December 2017
(1 month, 1 week and 6 days)
Location
Western Iraq
33°25′00″N 43°18′00″E / 33.4167°N 43.3000°E / 33.4167; 43.3000Coordinates: 33°25′00″N 43°18′00″E / 33.4167°N 43.3000°E / 33.4167; 43.3000
Result

Decisive Iraqi victory

Territorial
changes
  • The Iraqi Army captures Al-Qa'im, the Al-Qa'im District, Al-Qa'im border crossing,[2][3][4][5] and Rawa.
  • Iraqi forces fully control all Iraqi territory.
    • Belligerents
    Iraq
    CJTF–OIR    		  ISIL
    Commanders and leaders
    Lt. Gen. Abdel Emir Yarallah[6] Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi[7]
    Units involved

    Iraqi pro-government forces

    		Military of ISIL
    Strength
    Unknown 1,500 (CJTF-OIR estimate)[8]
    Casualties and losses
    Unknown Unknown

    The offensive followed the Hawija offensive by the Iraqi Government, and was also concurrent with several major offensives in Syria: the Syrian Democratic Forces' Deir ez-Zor offensive, and the Syrian Government's Battle of Deir ez-Zor and Eastern Syria campaign on the opposite side of the Al-Qa'im border crossing.

    Background

    Main articles: Anbar campaign (2013–14), Anbar campaign (2015–16), and Western Anbar offensive (September 2017)

    Al-Qa'im was known as a hotbed of jihadist insurgency, after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with coalition forces carrying out repeated operations against Al-Qaeda jihadists. The strategic and porous border started becoming a route for foreign fighters entering Iraq from Syria, who was accused by Iraqi Government of ignoring it.[11]

    The towns of western Anbar were captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in 2014.[12] Before the 2017 offensive, Iraqi forces had dislodged the group from key cities of Anbar including Ramadi and Fallujah but the areas near border with Syria including Anah, Rawa, Al-Qaim left and the vast rural areas across the province remained under militant control.[13] An Iraqi operation was launched towards west Anbar in January 2017, but was suspended after recapture of towns of Sagra and Zawiya because of preparations for retaking the western bank of Mosul.[14]

    In September 2017, the Iraqi Army launched an offensive in the western Anbar Province, recapturing the towns of Akashat on 16 September and Anah on 21 September.[15] After recapturing Hawija on 5 October Iraqi Army was expected to fight ISIL in Anbar. Instead, it paused its military actions and later started advancing on Kirkuk.[16]

    The campaign

    Al-Qaim

    Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced an offensive to recapture the western border region of al-Qaim and Rawa on 26 October.[17] He stated, "The heroic legions are advancing into the last den of terrorism in Iraq to liberate al-Qaim, Rawa and the surrounding villages and hamlets." Iraqi forces including the troops, police, Sunni tribesmen and mostly Shia militias, participated in the assault. Later, Lieutenant-General Abdul Amir Yarallah announced that they had cleared Umm al-Waz village, 55 kilometres (34 mi) south-east of al-Qa'im, and the H-2 Air Base, along with the nearby Husseiniyat area, 120 kilometres (75 mi) south of al-Qaim. According to the United Nations, around 50,000 people were still in al-Qaim and Rawa.[8] Meanwhile, Walid al-Dulaimi, an Iraqi army colonel, told Anadolu Agency that they had captured Rawa intersection and the Jabbab district, which is about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) west of Rawa.[18]

    Iraqi Army's War Media Cell announced on 27 October that the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU) had secured 43 kilometres (27 mi) of the Akashat-al-Qaim road and an area of 301 km2 (116.2 sq mi) (south of al-Qa'im. It also added that PMU captured al-Qakm cement plant, al-Qaom Quarries, al-Qaim station and the water station. Iraqi Army meanwhile captured villages of Awani, northern Jabab and al-Zalla on southern bank of Euphrates.[citation needed] Army Major-General Qasim al-Muhammadi told Anadolu Agency on the same day that 25 militants were killed in a clash between Iraqi Army and ISIL near T1 area, 40 kilometres (25 mi) of al-Qa'im. He added that a large number of militants also retreated to center of al-Qaim district. Ahmed al-Dulaimi, an Anbar police captain, stated that five militants and two tribal fighters were killed in the same area a day earlier.[19]

    The Joint Operations Command (JOC) stated on 28 October that pro-Iraqi forces had taken control of large areas to east of al-Qaim, after routing the militants from their hideouts. It also stated that the Iraqi troops had also captured many villages, a bridge on the Euphrates, the al-Qaim railway station, a military airbase, and the Akkas gas field. The JOC added that so far, 75 militants had been killed, while nine SVBIEDs, 10 militant vehicles, and four bomb-making sites had been destroyed, while 378 roadside bombs were defused or detonated.[20] The JOC also reported that 33 villages had been recaptured from ISIL, within 2 days of the offensive.[21] The Defence Ministry stated on 29 October that Iraqi aeroplanes had dropped thousands of leaflets in ISIL-held areas of Anbar, urging militants to surrender.[22] An Iraqi security source stated on the same day that ISIL fighters had fled towards Al-Bukamal in Syria, after many leaders fled and were killed in airstrikes. Meanwhile, Qatari al-Samarmad, a PMU commander, stated that Ra'ed al-Atouri, the ISIL military official of al-Qa'im, and six of his companions had been killed by Iraqi warplanes.[23]

    By 31 October, Iraqi forces had reached the edge of al-Qaim. The JOC announced that Iraqi forces, backed by United States' aerial strikes and Sunni tribal fighters, had captured the village of al-Obeidi, adding that even though ISIL resisted the advance of the troops, the majority retreated to centre of al-Qaim. Yarallah stated that they had also captured a cement plant and a phosphate processing facility.[24] He added that they also took control of a nearby residential complex, nine villages around Obeidi as well as large areas of Akkas gas field.[25] Army Brigadier-General Numaan Abdul-Zobai said that they also captured villages of Rafedah and Al-Kasim to west of al-Qaim.[26] Minister of Oil Jabar al-Luaibi stated on 2 November that Iraq forces had captured the Akkas gas field.[27] Major-General Numaan Abd al-Zawbaei, commander of the army's 7th Division, said on the same day that regular troops backed by the PMU had captured Al-Saada area, and the nearby villages of Jereejib and Qunaitera, west of Al-Qaim, killing several militants and destroying a number of booby-trapped vehicles.[28]

     
    United States Army artillery provides fire support for Iraqi security forces near al-Qa'im, 7 November 2017

    On 3 November, the Iraqi Army captured the Abu Kamal-Al-Qa'im border crossing.[29] The JOC announced they had entered al-Qa'im as well.[30] The PMU captured the town's train station, as well as the al-Karabilah neighbourhood during the day, while also entering the Gaza neighbourhood.[citation needed] Later on the same day, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that Iraqi Government forces had captured al-Qa'im.[31] Iraqi Government forces also recaptured the rest of the Al-Qa'im District.[2][3][4] This stripped ISIL of all its border crossings along the Iraqi–Syrian border,[3] and left only Rawa under ISIL rule.[31]

    Interlude

    Following the loss of the border city of Al-Qa'im and Deir ez-Zor, Al-Bukamal in Syria was the last town of note under their full control, where they were expected to make their final stand.[32] ISIL forces also began massing at Al-Bukamal, boosted by the retreating ISIL fighters from Iraq.[33] On 5 November, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed that ISIL had driven out PMU out of Al-Bukamal's countryside.[34] However Kata'ib Hezbollah spokesman Jaafar al-Husseini stated that they clashed with ISIL just metres from border with Syria and fired rockets into Syria, adding that their forces did not cross into Syria.[35]

    Rawa

    Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi stated on 11 November that the Iraqi forces were launching an operation to push militants out of an area in western Iraq.[36] The offensive to recapture Rawa was launched during the day. Two Iraqi divisions and Sunni tribal fighters carried out the operation. Yarallah said that the troops had captured Rumana and its bridge, along with 10 other villages.[37] Iraqi Army Col. Waleed al-Dulaimi told Anadolu Agency that Iraqi forces captured six villages on 13 November. He added that militants had fled from the villages towards the desert north-west of the city of Rawa.[38] Lieutenant-General Abdul Amir Yarallah stated on 15 November that they had killed 48 militants during the past three days while capturing 13 villages.[39]

    Iraqi military stated on 17 November that security forces had penetrated into Rawa. Yarallah of the JOC stated that Iraqi troops and paramilitary forces had started the push at dawn and had captured four neighbourhoods after some hours.[40] Iraqi forces captured Rawa later in the day. Yarallah stated that the government troops and paramilitary units "liberated the whole of Rawa and raised the Iraqi flag on all of its official buildings."[41] Prime Minister al-Abadi congratulated Iraqi armed forces and people, saying Rawa was retaken in record time. He stated: "Liberation of Rawa district in mere hours reflects the great strength and power of our heroic armed forces and the successful planning for battles." A military spokesman stated, "With the liberation of Rawa we can say all the areas in which Daesh is present have been liberated." He added that Iraqi forces will pursue the militants who fled into the desert and exert control over Iraq's borders.[1]

    Al-Jazirah Desert

    Prime Minister al-Abadi stated on 21 November that while ISIL was already defeated from a military perspective, he would declare the final victory only after it were defeated in the desert areas.[42] On 23 November, Iraqi forces announced the launch of an offensive to clear the desert bordering Syria. Army, police and paramilitary units advanced into areas of Saladin, Nineveh and Anbar Governorates forming part of the region called al-Jazira.[43]

    Iraqi forces stated on 24 November that ISIL was withdrawing deep into the desert to escape the offensive. The PMF stated its forces had taken control of 77 villages since the launch of the offensive. It added that five militants were killed south of Hatra, but otherwise the militants put up little resistance. It also stated that it had taken control of an airfield in the same area, where they discovered underground warehouses used by the militants.[44] The Iraqi military later stated that the forces had captured 45 villages, clearing some 2,400 km2 (926.6 sq mi) on 24 November.[45]

    The Iraqi military stated on 27 November that it was facing a tough battle against the militants, in deep gorges and other natural hideouts in the western desert. Gen. Yahya Rasoul, JOC spokesman, declared that the first phase was over and they had retaken half of the around 29,000 km2 (11,197 sq mi). desert area.[46] Iraqi forces announced a new phase on 8 December against the remaining militant holdouts in the western desert.[47]

    Prime Minister al-Abadi declared final victory over ISIL on 9 December after Iraqi forces drove away the last remnants. Iraqi military stated that the forces had recaptured the last areas still under the group's control.[48] Yarallah stated that the troops had taken control of over 90 villages and cleared 19,600 km2 of land during the last operation over the past day.[49]

    Aftermath

    Main article: Iraqi insurgency (2017–present)

    On 10 December, Iraqi forces held a military parade in Baghdad's Green Zone to celebrate their victory over ISIL. Prime Minister al-Abadi declared that 10 December would become a new annual holiday for Iraq.[50] Following their victory, Iraqi forces expected a new phase of insurgency from the remaining ISIL elements.[50]

    See also

    References

    1. ^ a b Ahmed Aboulenein (November 17, 2017). "Iraqi forces recapture last Islamic State-held town". Reuters.
    2. ^ a b "The Latest: Iraq Says Liberated Last IS-Held Town of Qaim". U.S. News & World Report L.P. November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
    3. ^ a b c "ISIL loses al-Qaim in Iraq and Deir Az Zor in Syria". Al Jazeera Media Network. November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
    4. ^ a b Sinan Salaheddin (November 5, 2017). "Iraqi PM raises flag at border crossing taken from IS". Business Insider. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
    5. ^ "Qatar congratulates Iraq on liberation of Al Qaim district". Peninsula Qatar.
    6. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on September 16, 2017.
    7. ^ "Iraqi forces launch battle against Islamic State footholds in vast Anbar province". The Washington Post. September 19, 2017.
    8. ^ a b "Iraqi forces launch assault on last IS bastion of al-Qaim". BBC News. October 26, 2017.
    9. ^ "Iraq forces launch 'last big fight' against IS". Rudaw. October 26, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
    10. ^ "Iraqi forces enter al-Qaim on Syrian border, one of last ISIS bases". Rudaw. November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
    11. ^ "Al-Qaim: last IS bastion in Iraq". Agence-France Presse. France24. October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
    12. ^ "Iraqi Troops Advance in Western Anbar, Amid the Referendum Row". Newsclick. September 20, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
    13. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on September 19, 2017.
    14. ^ Kittleson, Shelly. "After Mosul, Iraq's western Anbar next up in IS fight". Al-Monitor. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
    15. ^ "Anbar op aims to restore Iraqi-Syrian border". Al-Monitor. September 27, 2017. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
    16. ^ "How the US paved the way for Iraq's crackdown on Kurdistan". Jerusalem Post. November 2, 2017. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
    17. ^ "Iraq announces offensive to retake last Daesh bastion". Daily Sabah.
    18. ^ "Iraqi forces strike another blow against Daesh in Anbar". Anadolu Agency.
    19. ^ "Tribal fighters, Daesh clash in Iraq's Anbar; 32 killed". Anadolu Agency.
    20. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017.
    21. ^ Nehal Mostafa (October 28, 2017). "75 Islamic State militants killed in two days in western Anbar: Military". Retrieved November 6, 2017.
    22. ^ al-Saadi, Amir. "Iraqi army urges Daesh to surrender". Anadolu Agency.
    23. ^ "Daesh Members Flee Western Iraqi Border Region toward Syria". Tasnim News Agency.
    24. ^ "Iraqi forces on edge of final Daesh bastion". Agence-France Presse. Gulf News.
    25. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on October 31, 2017.
    26. ^ al-Qubaisi, Suleiman; al-Saadi, Ibrahim. "Iraqi forces close in on Daesh's last holdouts in Anbar". Anadolu Agency.
    27. ^ Rasherd, Ahmed (November 2, 2017). "Iraqi forces capture Akkas gas field from Islamic State: minister". Reuters. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
    28. ^ al-Qubaisi, Suleiman; Qassem, Ahmed (November 2, 2017). "Iraqi forces register more gains against Daesh in Anbar". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
    29. ^ "Iraqi forces retake border crossing with Syria from Islamic State, Shi'ite militias say". Reuters. November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
    30. ^ "Iraqi forces enter al-Qaim in final offensive on Islamic State-held territory". Reuters. November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
    31. ^ a b "Islamic State on verge of defeat after fresh losses in Syria, Iraq". Reuters. November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
    32. ^ Josie Ensor and Ben Farmer (November 3, 2017). "Isil facing endgame after fall of last city in its caliphate". The Telegraph News. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
    33. ^ Loaa Adel (November 4, 2017). "Al-Bukamal gathers largest number of ISIL members in Syria". Retrieved November 5, 2017.
    34. ^ "IS gunmen drive "Hashd" irregulars to Iraq-Syrian border". Kuwait News Agency.
    35. ^ "Iraq forces, ISIS fighters clash near Syrian border". Arkansas Online. Associated Press.
    36. ^ "Iraqi forces launch anti-IS operation in western Anbar". ABC News. Associated Press.
    37. ^ "Iraqi forces advance on ISIL-held Rawa in Anbar". Al-Jazeera.
    38. ^ Suleiman al-Qubaisi. "Army retakes 6 villages in western Iraq from Daesh". Anadolu Agency.
    39. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017.
    40. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. November 17, 2017. Archived from the original on November 18, 2017.
    41. ^ "Iraqi forces captures last Isil-held town in Iraq". The Telegraph. November 17, 2017.
    42. ^ Ahmed Rasheed (November 21, 2017). "Iraq to declare final victory over Islamic State after desert campaign". Reuters.
    43. ^ "IS conflict: Iraq begins final push to clear western desert". BBC News. November 23, 2017.
    44. ^ "Iraq forces say Daesh retreating deep into desert". GeoTV. Agence-France Presse.
    45. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on November 25, 2017.
    46. ^ "Iraq face tough battle against Daesh desert hideouts". The Daily Star. Agence-France Presse. November 27, 2017.
    47. ^ "Iraq pushes toward Daesh holdouts, PM eyes victory". The Daily Star. Agence-France Presse. December 9, 2017.
    48. ^ "Iraq declares final victory over Islamic State". Reuters. December 9, 2017.
    49. ^ . Xinhua News Agency. December 9, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017.
    50. ^ a b Ahmed Aboulenein (December 10, 2017). "Iraq holds victory parade after defeating Islamic State". Reuters. Retrieved December 11, 2017.

    External links

    • Iraqi forces capture last key ISIS stronghold – The Straits Times

    January 30, 2023
    2017, western, iraq, campaign, final, major, military, operation, 2013, 2017, iraq, western, province, anbar, border, with, syria, with, goal, completely, expelling, isil, forces, from, their, last, strongholds, iraq, part, iraqmap, iraqi, advances, western, i. The 2017 Western Iraq campaign was the final major military operation of the 2013 2017 war in Iraq in the western province of Anbar and on the border with Syria with the goal of completely expelling ISIL forces from their last strongholds in Iraq 9 10 2017 Western Iraq campaignPart of the War in IraqMap of the Iraqi advances in Western IraqDate26 October 9 December 2017 1 month 1 week and 6 days LocationWestern Iraq Western Anbar Governorate al Jazira Desert Parts of Nineveh Governorate Saladin Governorate and Anbar Governorate 33 25 00 N 43 18 00 E 33 4167 N 43 3000 E 33 4167 43 3000 Coordinates 33 25 00 N 43 18 00 E 33 4167 N 43 3000 E 33 4167 43 3000ResultDecisive Iraqi victory Iraqi government declares ISIS no longer holds territory in Iraq End of the War in Iraq 2013 2017 Remaining ISIS fighters flee to remote deserts and mountains following December 2017 and stage a low intensity insurgency against Iraqi forces and allies 1 TerritorialchangesThe Iraqi Army captures Al Qa im the Al Qa im District Al Qa im border crossing 2 3 4 5 and Rawa Iraqi forces fully control all Iraqi territory BelligerentsIraq CJTF OIR ISILCommanders and leadersLt Gen Abdel Emir Yarallah 6 Abu Bakr al Baghdadi 7 Units involvedIraqi pro government forces Iraqi security forces Armed Forces Federal Police Local Sunni tribes Popular Mobilisation ForcesMilitary of ISILStrengthUnknown1 500 CJTF OIR estimate 8 Casualties and lossesUnknownUnknown The offensive followed the Hawija offensive by the Iraqi Government and was also concurrent with several major offensives in Syria the Syrian Democratic Forces Deir ez Zor offensive and the Syrian Government s Battle of Deir ez Zor and Eastern Syria campaign on the opposite side of the Al Qa im border crossing Contents 1 Background 2 The campaign 2 1 Al Qaim 2 2 Interlude 2 3 Rawa 2 4 Al Jazirah Desert 3 Aftermath 4 See also 5 References 6 External linksBackground EditMain articles Anbar campaign 2013 14 Anbar campaign 2015 16 and Western Anbar offensive September 2017 Al Qa im was known as a hotbed of jihadist insurgency after the 2003 invasion of Iraq with coalition forces carrying out repeated operations against Al Qaeda jihadists The strategic and porous border started becoming a route for foreign fighters entering Iraq from Syria who was accused by Iraqi Government of ignoring it 11 The towns of western Anbar were captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in 2014 12 Before the 2017 offensive Iraqi forces had dislodged the group from key cities of Anbar including Ramadi and Fallujah but the areas near border with Syria including Anah Rawa Al Qaim left and the vast rural areas across the province remained under militant control 13 An Iraqi operation was launched towards west Anbar in January 2017 but was suspended after recapture of towns of Sagra and Zawiya because of preparations for retaking the western bank of Mosul 14 In September 2017 the Iraqi Army launched an offensive in the western Anbar Province recapturing the towns of Akashat on 16 September and Anah on 21 September 15 After recapturing Hawija on 5 October Iraqi Army was expected to fight ISIL in Anbar Instead it paused its military actions and later started advancing on Kirkuk 16 The campaign EditAl Qaim Edit Prime Minister Haider al Abadi announced an offensive to recapture the western border region of al Qaim and Rawa on 26 October 17 He stated The heroic legions are advancing into the last den of terrorism in Iraq to liberate al Qaim Rawa and the surrounding villages and hamlets Iraqi forces including the troops police Sunni tribesmen and mostly Shia militias participated in the assault Later Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah announced that they had cleared Umm al Waz village 55 kilometres 34 mi south east of al Qa im and the H 2 Air Base along with the nearby Husseiniyat area 120 kilometres 75 mi south of al Qaim According to the United Nations around 50 000 people were still in al Qaim and Rawa 8 Meanwhile Walid al Dulaimi an Iraqi army colonel told Anadolu Agency that they had captured Rawa intersection and the Jabbab district which is about 2 kilometres 1 2 mi west of Rawa 18 Iraqi Army s War Media Cell announced on 27 October that the Popular Mobilisation Units PMU had secured 43 kilometres 27 mi of the Akashat al Qaim road and an area of 301 km2 116 2 sq mi south of al Qa im It also added that PMU captured al Qakm cement plant al Qaom Quarries al Qaim station and the water station Iraqi Army meanwhile captured villages of Awani northern Jabab and al Zalla on southern bank of Euphrates citation needed Army Major General Qasim al Muhammadi told Anadolu Agency on the same day that 25 militants were killed in a clash between Iraqi Army and ISIL near T1 area 40 kilometres 25 mi of al Qa im He added that a large number of militants also retreated to center of al Qaim district Ahmed al Dulaimi an Anbar police captain stated that five militants and two tribal fighters were killed in the same area a day earlier 19 The Joint Operations Command JOC stated on 28 October that pro Iraqi forces had taken control of large areas to east of al Qaim after routing the militants from their hideouts It also stated that the Iraqi troops had also captured many villages a bridge on the Euphrates the al Qaim railway station a military airbase and the Akkas gas field The JOC added that so far 75 militants had been killed while nine SVBIEDs 10 militant vehicles and four bomb making sites had been destroyed while 378 roadside bombs were defused or detonated 20 The JOC also reported that 33 villages had been recaptured from ISIL within 2 days of the offensive 21 The Defence Ministry stated on 29 October that Iraqi aeroplanes had dropped thousands of leaflets in ISIL held areas of Anbar urging militants to surrender 22 An Iraqi security source stated on the same day that ISIL fighters had fled towards Al Bukamal in Syria after many leaders fled and were killed in airstrikes Meanwhile Qatari al Samarmad a PMU commander stated that Ra ed al Atouri the ISIL military official of al Qa im and six of his companions had been killed by Iraqi warplanes 23 By 31 October Iraqi forces had reached the edge of al Qaim The JOC announced that Iraqi forces backed by United States aerial strikes and Sunni tribal fighters had captured the village of al Obeidi adding that even though ISIL resisted the advance of the troops the majority retreated to centre of al Qaim Yarallah stated that they had also captured a cement plant and a phosphate processing facility 24 He added that they also took control of a nearby residential complex nine villages around Obeidi as well as large areas of Akkas gas field 25 Army Brigadier General Numaan Abdul Zobai said that they also captured villages of Rafedah and Al Kasim to west of al Qaim 26 Minister of Oil Jabar al Luaibi stated on 2 November that Iraq forces had captured the Akkas gas field 27 Major General Numaan Abd al Zawbaei commander of the army s 7th Division said on the same day that regular troops backed by the PMU had captured Al Saada area and the nearby villages of Jereejib and Qunaitera west of Al Qaim killing several militants and destroying a number of booby trapped vehicles 28 United States Army artillery provides fire support for Iraqi security forces near al Qa im 7 November 2017 On 3 November the Iraqi Army captured the Abu Kamal Al Qa im border crossing 29 The JOC announced they had entered al Qa im as well 30 The PMU captured the town s train station as well as the al Karabilah neighbourhood during the day while also entering the Gaza neighbourhood citation needed Later on the same day Prime Minister Haider al Abadi announced that Iraqi Government forces had captured al Qa im 31 Iraqi Government forces also recaptured the rest of the Al Qa im District 2 3 4 This stripped ISIL of all its border crossings along the Iraqi Syrian border 3 and left only Rawa under ISIL rule 31 Interlude Edit Following the loss of the border city of Al Qa im and Deir ez Zor Al Bukamal in Syria was the last town of note under their full control where they were expected to make their final stand 32 ISIL forces also began massing at Al Bukamal boosted by the retreating ISIL fighters from Iraq 33 On 5 November the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights SOHR claimed that ISIL had driven out PMU out of Al Bukamal s countryside 34 However Kata ib Hezbollah spokesman Jaafar al Husseini stated that they clashed with ISIL just metres from border with Syria and fired rockets into Syria adding that their forces did not cross into Syria 35 Rawa Edit Prime Minister Haider al Abadi stated on 11 November that the Iraqi forces were launching an operation to push militants out of an area in western Iraq 36 The offensive to recapture Rawa was launched during the day Two Iraqi divisions and Sunni tribal fighters carried out the operation Yarallah said that the troops had captured Rumana and its bridge along with 10 other villages 37 Iraqi Army Col Waleed al Dulaimi told Anadolu Agency that Iraqi forces captured six villages on 13 November He added that militants had fled from the villages towards the desert north west of the city of Rawa 38 Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah stated on 15 November that they had killed 48 militants during the past three days while capturing 13 villages 39 Iraqi military stated on 17 November that security forces had penetrated into Rawa Yarallah of the JOC stated that Iraqi troops and paramilitary forces had started the push at dawn and had captured four neighbourhoods after some hours 40 Iraqi forces captured Rawa later in the day Yarallah stated that the government troops and paramilitary units liberated the whole of Rawa and raised the Iraqi flag on all of its official buildings 41 Prime Minister al Abadi congratulated Iraqi armed forces and people saying Rawa was retaken in record time He stated Liberation of Rawa district in mere hours reflects the great strength and power of our heroic armed forces and the successful planning for battles A military spokesman stated With the liberation of Rawa we can say all the areas in which Daesh is present have been liberated He added that Iraqi forces will pursue the militants who fled into the desert and exert control over Iraq s borders 1 Al Jazirah Desert Edit Prime Minister al Abadi stated on 21 November that while ISIL was already defeated from a military perspective he would declare the final victory only after it were defeated in the desert areas 42 On 23 November Iraqi forces announced the launch of an offensive to clear the desert bordering Syria Army police and paramilitary units advanced into areas of Saladin Nineveh and Anbar Governorates forming part of the region called al Jazira 43 Iraqi forces stated on 24 November that ISIL was withdrawing deep into the desert to escape the offensive The PMF stated its forces had taken control of 77 villages since the launch of the offensive It added that five militants were killed south of Hatra but otherwise the militants put up little resistance It also stated that it had taken control of an airfield in the same area where they discovered underground warehouses used by the militants 44 The Iraqi military later stated that the forces had captured 45 villages clearing some 2 400 km2 926 6 sq mi on 24 November 45 The Iraqi military stated on 27 November that it was facing a tough battle against the militants in deep gorges and other natural hideouts in the western desert Gen Yahya Rasoul JOC spokesman declared that the first phase was over and they had retaken half of the around 29 000 km2 11 197 sq mi desert area 46 Iraqi forces announced a new phase on 8 December against the remaining militant holdouts in the western desert 47 Prime Minister al Abadi declared final victory over ISIL on 9 December after Iraqi forces drove away the last remnants Iraqi military stated that the forces had recaptured the last areas still under the group s control 48 Yarallah stated that the troops had taken control of over 90 villages and cleared 19 600 km2 of land during the last operation over the past day 49 Aftermath EditMain article Iraqi insurgency 2017 present On 10 December Iraqi forces held a military parade in Baghdad s Green Zone to celebrate their victory over ISIL Prime Minister al Abadi declared that 10 December would become a new annual holiday for Iraq 50 Following their victory Iraqi forces expected a new phase of insurgency from the remaining ISIL elements 50 See also Edit Iraq portalAnbar campaign 2013 14 Battle of Ramadi 2014 15 2nd Anbar 2nd Ramadi Siege of Fallujah 2016 Battle of Fallujah 2016 Mosul offensive 2016 4th Mosul Western Nineveh Battle of Tal Afar 2017 Hawija Offensive 2017 Battle of Kirkuk 2017 Battle of Baghuz FawqaniReferences Edit a b Ahmed Aboulenein November 17 2017 Iraqi forces recapture last Islamic State held town Reuters a b The Latest Iraq Says Liberated Last IS Held Town of Qaim U S News amp World Report L P November 3 2017 Retrieved November 5 2017 a b c ISIL loses al Qaim in Iraq and Deir Az Zor in Syria Al Jazeera Media Network November 3 2017 Retrieved November 5 2017 a b Sinan Salaheddin November 5 2017 Iraqi PM raises flag at border crossing taken from IS Business Insider Retrieved November 6 2017 Qatar congratulates Iraq on liberation of Al Qaim district Peninsula Qatar Iraqi forces free Akashat from IS near border with Syria Xinhua News Agency Archived from the original on September 16 2017 Iraqi forces launch battle against Islamic State footholds in vast Anbar province The Washington Post September 19 2017 a b Iraqi forces launch assault on last IS bastion of al Qaim BBC News October 26 2017 Iraq forces launch last big fight against IS Rudaw October 26 2017 Retrieved November 5 2017 Iraqi forces enter al Qaim on Syrian border one of last ISIS bases Rudaw November 3 2017 Retrieved November 5 2017 Al Qaim last IS bastion in Iraq Agence France Presse France24 October 26 2017 Retrieved October 26 2017 Iraqi Troops Advance in Western Anbar Amid the Referendum Row Newsclick September 20 2017 Retrieved September 21 2017 Iraqi forces launch new offensive against IS in Iraq s Anbar Xinhua News Agency Archived from the original on September 19 2017 Kittleson Shelly After Mosul Iraq s western Anbar next up in IS fight Al Monitor Retrieved September 15 2017 Anbar op aims to restore Iraqi Syrian border Al Monitor September 27 2017 Retrieved November 4 2017 How the US paved the way for Iraq s crackdown on Kurdistan Jerusalem Post November 2 2017 Retrieved November 4 2017 Iraq announces offensive to retake last Daesh bastion Daily Sabah Iraqi forces strike another blow against Daesh in Anbar Anadolu Agency Tribal fighters Daesh clash in Iraq s Anbar 32 killed Anadolu Agency Tribal fighters Daesh clash in Iraq s Anbar 32 killed Xinhua News Agency Archived from the original on October 28 2017 Nehal Mostafa October 28 2017 75 Islamic State militants killed in two days in western Anbar Military Retrieved November 6 2017 al Saadi Amir Iraqi army urges Daesh to surrender Anadolu Agency Daesh Members Flee Western Iraqi Border Region toward Syria Tasnim News Agency Iraqi forces on edge of final Daesh bastion Agence France Presse Gulf News Iraqi forces gain more ground in last IS stronghold in western Iraq Xinhua News Agency Archived from the original on October 31 2017 al Qubaisi Suleiman al Saadi Ibrahim Iraqi forces close in on Daesh s last holdouts in Anbar Anadolu Agency Rasherd Ahmed November 2 2017 Iraqi forces capture Akkas gas field from Islamic State minister Reuters Retrieved November 3 2017 al Qubaisi Suleiman Qassem Ahmed November 2 2017 Iraqi forces register more gains against Daesh in Anbar Anadolu Agency Retrieved November 3 2017 Iraqi forces retake border crossing with Syria from Islamic State Shi ite militias say Reuters November 3 2017 Retrieved November 3 2017 Iraqi forces enter al Qaim in final offensive on Islamic State held territory Reuters November 3 2017 Retrieved November 3 2017 a b Islamic State on verge of defeat after fresh losses in Syria Iraq Reuters November 3 2017 Retrieved November 3 2017 Josie Ensor and Ben Farmer November 3 2017 Isil facing endgame after fall of last city in its caliphate The Telegraph News Retrieved November 5 2017 Loaa Adel November 4 2017 Al Bukamal gathers largest number of ISIL members in Syria Retrieved November 5 2017 IS gunmen drive Hashd irregulars to Iraq Syrian border Kuwait News Agency Iraq forces ISIS fighters clash near Syrian border Arkansas Online Associated Press Iraqi forces launch anti IS operation in western Anbar ABC News Associated Press Iraqi forces advance on ISIL held Rawa in Anbar Al Jazeera Suleiman al Qubaisi Army retakes 6 villages in western Iraq from Daesh Anadolu Agency Iraqi forces kill 48 IS militants in offensive near Syrian border Xinhua News Agency Archived from the original on November 16 2017 Iraqi forces push into last IS urban stronghold in Rawa Xinhua News Agency November 17 2017 Archived from the original on November 18 2017 Iraqi forces captures last Isil held town in Iraq The Telegraph November 17 2017 Ahmed Rasheed November 21 2017 Iraq to declare final victory over Islamic State after desert campaign Reuters IS conflict Iraq begins final push to clear western desert BBC News November 23 2017 Iraq forces say Daesh retreating deep into desert GeoTV Agence France Presse Security forces regain control of 45 villages in anti IS offensive in western Iraq Xinhua News Agency Archived from the original on November 25 2017 Iraq face tough battle against Daesh desert hideouts The Daily Star Agence France Presse November 27 2017 Iraq pushes toward Daesh holdouts PM eyes victory The Daily Star Agence France Presse December 9 2017 Iraq declares final victory over Islamic State Reuters December 9 2017 Iraq declares liberation of all Iraqi lands from IS Xinhua News Agency December 9 2017 Archived from the original on December 10 2017 a b Ahmed Aboulenein December 10 2017 Iraq holds victory parade after defeating Islamic State Reuters Retrieved December 11 2017 External links EditIraqi forces capture last key ISIS stronghold The Straits Times Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 2017 Western Iraq campaign amp oldid 1119469726, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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