Iraq launches operation to recapture border towns

By Haydar Hadi

BAGHDAD

The Iraqi army has launched a military operation to recapture Daesh-held border towns of Al-Qaim and Rawa in the western province of Anbar, according to the Prime Ministry’s Press Office on Thursday.

"We are launching an operation to liberate Al-Qaim. Our forces are advancing towards Al-Qaim, Rawa and other towns, which are the last strongholds of the terror in Iraq," a statement said.

"There is no chance but death or surrender for Daesh," it added.

After overrunning vast territories in both Iraq and Syria in 2014, Daesh has recently suffered a string of major defeats at the hands of the Iraqi army and a U.S.-led coalition.

In August, the terrorist group lost Tal Afar in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province. And one month earlier, the city of Mosul -- once the capital of Daesh’s self-proclaimed "caliphate" -- fell to the Iraqi army following a nine-month campaign.