Iraqi forces have reportedly retaken territory from the Islamic State (IS) militant group just east of the town of Ramadi.
The French agency AFP cites unnamed commanders as saying the operation was launched early on May 23 to retake Husaybah, a few kilometers east of the Anbar provincial capital.
It was the government's first counterattack since Ramadi fell a week ago, in what's been called the worst setback at the hands of IS militants in a year.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses and unnamed officials say government forces, backed by local militiamen, also engaged with IS militants further to the east, near the town of Khaldiya.
News agencies say Iraqi government troops successfully repulsed an attack there by IS fighters.
The reports could not be independently confirmed.
Meanwhile, the United States and its allies staged 22 air strikes on IS targets in the past day, including four near Ramadi.
A statement from the Combined Joint Task Force said the strikes hit tactical units, armored vehicles, and a fighting position in militant-controlled territory.