(CNN) Iraqi forces said Thursday they had retaken the city center of Hawija, one of the last major ISIS strongholds in Iraq. It was not immediately clear how much of Hawija remained under ISIS control. Operations were continuing, Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Rasheed Yarallah, commander of the Iraqi Joint Forces, said in a statement. "Our Iraqi partners fought bravely and professionally against a brutal and determined enemy, safeguarding innocent civilians throughout the entire campaign," Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general of the Combined Joint Task Force -- Operation Inherent Resolve -- said in a statement Thursday. "Today's victory demonstrates we are stronger together, and this Coalition remains committed to supporting our partners in the tough fight ahead as we continue our mission to defeat ISIS," he added.

Source: CNN October 05, 2017 08:24 UTC