Iraqi forces are moving closer to the centre of Ramadi after launching a major assault drive of Islamic State fighters who captured the city in May. Authorities say troops have retaken control of numerous districts close to the centre, where several hundred IS militants are believed to remain.
The battle to drive IS out of the centre of Ramadi is entering its second day. Iraqi special forces have been fighting street by street. Local officials are optimistic that the city will be recaptured by the weekend. But a spokesman for the US-led coalition has been more cautious, saying a tough fight is in prospect.