Iraq begins operation to oust ISIS from Anbar - But as a sandstorm descended a- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

But as a sandstorm descended across the region Photogallery - Times of India

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But as a sandstorm descended across the region, there was no sign of any major engagement against the extremists, who have been gaining ground in the province west of Baghdad despite US-led airstrikes.

In This Pic : ISIS

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

A Pentagon spokesman, Col. Steve Warren, said Iraqi forces have begun "shaping operations" Photogallery - Times of India

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A Pentagon spokesman, Col. Steve Warren, said Iraqi forces have begun "shaping operations" and "security zone interactions," which he described as probing and reconnaissance actions that would precede any major combat in or around Ramadi.

In This Pic : ISIS

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

The Islamic State also known by the acronyms ISIS and ISILPhotogallery - Times of India

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The Islamic State also known by the acronyms ISIS and ISIL, and Daesh in Arabic seized large parts of Anbar in early 2014 and captured Ramadi earlier in May. Iraqi forces, which had been making steady progress against the extremists in recent months with the help of the air campaign, scored a major victory in recapturing Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit last month.

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

The Shia militias chose a religious name for their campaign, deepening those worries and drawing criticism from the Pentagon Photogallery - Times of India

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The Shia militias chose a religious name for their campaign, deepening those worries and drawing criticism from the Pentagon. The Popular Mobilization Units have named it "Labaik Ya Hussein," which is Arabic for "I am here, Hussein" referring to a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the most revered figures of Shia Islam.

In This Pic : ISIS

Pic Courtesy : BCCL