Iraqi government forces on Friday raided Al-Qaem city west of Anbar province in pursuit of fighters of the so-called Islamic State (IS) and eliminate their strongholds.

Regular military troops, anti-terrorism squads, popular and tribal forces began the raid starting from Saada, Al-Karablah, and Hasiba areas, part of Al-Qaem surrounding towns, Commander of

Special Forces and operations to liberate western Anbar province General Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah said in a statement.

The operation comes as part of a wide military campaign to liberate the western province of Anbar from IS, which includes Al-Qaem and Waraweh cities, still under IS control.