Iraq: Ramadi residents told to leave

Monday's statement was broadcast on Iraqi state TV, requesting that Ramadi civilians leave the city from its southern Himaira area. No further details were given.

The announcement immediately fuelled speculation that a major operation by Iraqi forces to retake Ramadi from "Islamic State" ("IS") militants was about to begin.

The statement followed three days of air strikes in Iraq and Syria by the US-led coalition fighting the jihadist group, and was issued after Iraqi forces cut the last "IS" supply line into the city by seizing a key bridge.

IS militants were imposing a 5,500 euro ($6,000) levy for anyone who wanted to leave, the military said, adding that around 50,000 civilians have been prevented from traveling.

Tussle for dominance

Ramadi was captured by "IS" in May after the Baghdad-backed army and special forces abandoned their posts. The army was criticized for putting up a weak fight against the jihadists.

The battle for Ramadi had been ongoing since late 2013, when "IS" first swept across large swathes of Iraq and Syria as part of its self-proclaimed caliphate. The city was retaken by the Iraqi army and then fell into the hands of the extremists at least twice since then.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had vowed a quick counter-offensive to retake the city, but it was held up due to inadequate resources.

New air strikes

American and allied jets conducted seven strikes against "IS" positions around the city on Saturday and five on Sunday.

The Combined Joint Task Force said on Sunday their bombardment destroyed a machine gun position, two buildings used by the group and two weapons caches.

Eleven other Iraqi cities were also targeted, including Fallujah, Sinjar and Mosul.

The coalition said it used bomber, fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against targets.

IS isolated

Meanwhile, last week's capture of Palestine Bridge, straddling the Euphrates river in northwestern Ramadi, means Iraqi forces have the city surrounded.

An army colonel from the 9th division told Reuters the latest advance had restricted the jihadists ability to function.

"This advance is very important," said the colonel on condition of anonymity. "Daesh ("IS") can no longer ferry weapons, food and equipment through the river like they did in the past."

Analysts believe the army will now move to clear the city of the Sunni militants one neighborhood at a time.

One of the biggest cities in Iraq, Ramadi lies 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad.

mm/tj (AP, Reuters)