Along with the US-led coalition, the Iraqi Army has retaken control of Ramadi, Iraq, from ISIS.
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said: "?The expulsion of ISIL by Iraqi security forces, supported by our international coalition, is a significant step forward in the campaign to defeat this barbaric group and restore Iraq’s territorial sovereignty."
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Located on the highway connecting Iraq with Syria and Jordan, Ramadi was captured by ISIS in May 2015.
The Iraqi forces were led by Shiite-dominated units, who crossed a canal into the city using a temporary bridge provided by the US army.
The forces were also supported by US-led coalition airstrikes, which significantly reduced ISIS numbers from 1,000 to 150-250.
Following the recapture, Iraq hoisted its national flag over the provincial government centre in downtown Ramadi.
The airstrikes and ground force warfare destroyed several city buildings, including government offices, markets and houses.
Arab Reform Initiative senior research associate Lina Khatib was quoted by CBCnews as saying: "This approach has a very high cost in material damage and human casualties."
