Iraqi forces pushed into the Islamic State group bastion of Hawija on Wednesday, stepping up their assault against one the jihadists last enclaves in the country, the operation s commander said.
"With God s help, the army, the federal police and the rapid response force began a major operation on Wednesday to liberate the centre of Hawija and the neighbouring town of Riyadh," Lieutenant General Abdel Amir Yarallah said in a statement.
