Islamic State forces hit by airstrikes and Shiite militias
Fighters from Shiite militia Popular Mobilisation Front are pushing towards Beiji, while airstrikes by the Iraqi air force are reported to have hit jihadi fighters and equipment.
Iraqi troops and Shiite militias continued their assault on Beiji, 155 miles north of Baghdad, battling to push Islamic State group militants out of the contested district.
The Iraqi Defence Ministry released video showing Iraqi troops alongside Popular Mobilisation Front (PMF) Shiite militia on Sunday, firing on alleged Islamic State group positions.
US defence officials have said that Iran had entered the fight to retake Beiji from the IS group, contributing small numbers of troops – including some operating artillery and other heavy weapons – in support of advancing Iraqi ground forces.
Video allegedly showing airstrikes on Islamic State group (IS) hideouts, vehicles and personnel in Iraq was released by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence.
The Iraqi air force is reported to have carried out “accuate, effective and painful” attacks on jihadis, causing them heavy losses in men and equipment.
The footage is said to be from an aircraft over the Anbar province, where Iraqi air forces are trying to retake the region from IS.