Iraqi forces still engaged in mopping up operations in Ramadi - general

Two weeks after declaring victory over the Islamic State in Ramadi, Iraq's military continues to face pockets of resistance and explosive traps in clearing operations. Iraqi soldiers could be seen on Friday firing into IS positions with armoured vehicles while columns of smoke rose from the city skyline. They were backed by six air strikes, the U.S.-led coalition said in a statement that day. Tanks patrolled the streets. Foreign special forces have been carrying out raids on an Islamic State stronghold in northern Iraq ahead of an offensive planned later this year, according to Iraq's speaker of parliament. LIEUTENANT GENERAL, RIYADH JALAL .... "We are now on the western side of Ramadi and the 16th Army Unit and private operations participated in cleansing the city and the morale of our fighters and leaders are high and they are advancing as we planned. And we also secured an exit outlet for families."

Baghdad has designated Mosul as the next target for Iraq's armed forces.