Iraqi security forces have launched an operation aimed at liberating an area in the western province of Anbar from the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
Ground forces, supported by air strikes, advanced deep into the Bu-Farraj area northeast of the provincial capital, Ramadi, on April 13.
At least 13 militants were reported killed in the battle.
In southern Ramadi, fierce clashes took place in Hawz and nearby districts where security forces reportedly killed 3 IS fighters in an ambush.
Security forces also repelled an attack in western Ramadi, killing at least 11 militants.
The assault comes after Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced last week an operation to retake Anbar.
Most of the predominantly Sunni region is controlled by the IS group.
The offensive follows a victory in the city of Tikrit, about 140 kilometers north of Baghdad, which Iraqi forces retook from IS militants early this month.
