Iraqi security forces recapture a key bridge in Ramadi after clashes with Islamic State group

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi official says security forces have recaptured a key bridge from Islamic State group militants in Ramadi, the capital of western Anbar.

Anbar police Col. Mahadi Abbas says the forces recaptured the al-Houz bridge on the Euphrates river on Friday, after fierce clashes with IS militants in the western section of Ramadi.

Abbas says the al-Houz bridge was controlled by the IS group for several months and served as the main route supply route for the insurgents.

The security situation in Ramadi sharply deteriorated after the IS group seized three villages around the city, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

In recent days Iraqi soldiers and police have been able to secure the center of Ramadi and push the militants back from some areas of the city.