RAMADI, Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki arrived in the violence-stricken Anbar province on an unannounced visit on Saturday.
"The Prime Minister arrived on an unannounced visit to support military operations and assess the situation on the ground," a police source told Anadolu Agency.
According to the source, al-Maliki will hold a cabinet meeting in the restive province.
The Iraqi army is currently pursuing a major military operation in the predominantly Sunni Anbar province.
According to the government, the campaign aims to flush out militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant group.
Local Sunni tribes opposed to the Shiite-dominated government, however, have reacted angrily to civilian causalities caused by the campaign.
By Suleiman al-Qubeisi
englishnews@aa.com.tr
