Iraqi forces re-group during a military operation in Diyala Province on Jan 24, 2015. AFP[/caption]The Iraqi army, backed by volunteer forces, has retaken control of thestrategic road connecting the holy city of Samarra to a neighboringdistrict following fierce clashes with ISIL Takfiri terrorists.
Violent clashes between the security forces and ISIS (ISIL) militants broke out on Samarra-Tharthar road, an Iraqi source within the Samarra Operations Command said on Sunday.
The source noted that the Iraqi security forces killed 15 members of the ISIL Takfiri militants and destroyed 30 explosives in the area.
Iraqi forces regained control over the main road along with its towers and security checkpoints, the source added.
The ISIL started its campaign of terror in Iraq in early June 2014. The heavily-armed militants took control of Iraqs second-largest city of Mosul before sweeping through parts of the countrys Sunni Arab heartland.
Iraqs Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi said on Sunday that anti-terrorism military operations in the violence-hit country could end within months.
The ISIL terrorists, many of themforeign nationals, have taken control of some parts of Iraqs northern and western regions. The Takfiris have been committing heinous crimes in the captured areas, including mass executions and beheadings.
By Press TV
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