Iraq's Military Is Losing The Battle For Anbar

Inside Iraqi Air Base As Islamic State Closes In -- BBC

Ain al-Asad air base, the largest in Iraq's western province of Anbar, has been encircled by militants from Islamic State (IS). The BBC's Quentin Sommerville, the first Western journalist to make it to the facility since IS launched a nationwide offensive in June, found soldiers on the defensive as the militants close in.



At Ain al-Asad, soldiers and their armoured vehicles had departed. The camp was quiet, almost peaceful. But we were in fact in the eye of a storm.



On multiple fronts, troops were out fighting - and losing - battles with Islamic State (IS) militants.



We had come to see an offensive. Instead, we found a retreat.



The army's planned assault on the IS stronghold of Hit was forgotten. IS had launched a surprise attack.



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Update #1: Iraqi military operation in Anbar in trouble (Press TV)

Update #2: As IS Advances, Anbar Leader Urges More Air Strikes -- Radio Free Europe

Update #3: Low Supplies, Political Disputes In Anbar: Not Long Now Before Extremists Take Over -- Niqash



WNU Editor: The following is a good analysis on the problems that the Iraqi government/military and the U.S. are having in gathering allies to battle the Islamic State in Anbar province .... Silence of the sheikhs puts Washington's Iraq strategy in doubt (The Age)