Iraqi troops have taken control of the strategic northern town of Baiji from the Takfiri ISIL terror group, Iraqi media report.
The army succeeded in fully liberating the town after heavy clashes with the ISIL terrorists.
The development came shortly after Iraqi soldiers recaptured the country’s biggest oil refinery on the outskirts of Baiji, which is in Salahuddin Province.
Iraq’s flag was raised over major buildings, including the police headquarters, in Baiji.
Iraqi forces began their operation in Baiji in late October. The town had been under ISIL control for months.
Baiji is located on a main road to the northern city of Mosul, which is being controlled by the ISIL militants. The liberation of the town is expected to choke off the militants’ supply lines.
The Iraqi Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the Iraqi air force had carried out “effective strikes” on ISIL positions in the oil-rich town.
The ISIL terrorists are in control of large areas across eastern Syria and northern and western Iraq.
The Iraqi army has so far managed to make numerous gains in the fight against the ISIL militants, pledging to continue the battle against the extremist group.
The ISIL militants have been carrying out horrific acts of violence, including public decapitations, against Iraqi communities such as Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians.