RFE/RL’s Radio Free Iraq reports that U.S. warplanes have carried out fresh air strikes against Islamic State militants near the strategic Haditha dam in Anbar Province.
Iraqi military officials in Anbar Province said at least 34 militants were killed and 13 of vehicles were destroyed by U.S. planes on September 10 when they tried to advance on Iraqi troops defending the dam.
They say the air strikes also destroyed ammunition that had been stockpiled by militants who have besieged the dam since June.
Iraqi military officials also said said they secured the town of Birwana, about 10 kilometers south of the dam on September 10.
Birwana was vacated by the militants on September 7 after the United States expanded its air strikes against Islamic States militants from northern Iraq to the country's Sunni Arab heartland in Anbar Province.
But the militants had remained in positions close enough to attack troops in Birwana with mortar fire.
Meanwhile, France said it is ready to take part in air strikes against IS fighters in Iraq if needed.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, speaking on September 10 in Paris, said that "we will participate, if necessary, in military air action."
