Iraq launches assault on Rawa, last ISIS stronghold in the country

Two Iraqi infantry divisions and Sunni tribal forces are participating in the operation launched Saturday to recapture the small town of Rawa and its surrounding areas along the border with Syria in Anbar province, according to the Joint Operation Command statement. According to the Iraqi commander, Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs) are fighting alongside the army.

Al-Qaim nearby was captured last week, except for some pockets still in ISIS hands. Across the border, Hizballah-led forces seized the strategic Syrian town of Abu Kamal on the border with Iraq from the Islamic State. However, in a surprise attack on Friday, the jihadist group recaptured half of the town.