Peshmerga claim gains against ISIL terrorists in Iraq

Iraqi Peshmerga forces have wrestled control from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant key areas in eastern Iraq, the Kurdish Regional Government said Sunday.

The Peshmerga are the Kurdish fighters of the Erbil-based semiautonomous government in Iraq. The gains were made with support from the U.S.-led coalition that is carrying out airstrikes against the ISIL terrorist group.

"Peshmerga forces have regained control of Jalawla town in Iraq's Diyala Governorate,” Ahmad Latif, a Peshmerga commander said.

Latif said the ISIL had been dealt with a major blow when the Peshmerga regained control of Tajdid neighborhood, which was said to be an ISIL headquarter in the area.

"The terrorist group is withdrawing with heavy losses," he claimed.

Since early November, the Iraqi military has also claimed to have recaptured many towns and villages in Mosul, Anbar, Saladin and Diyala provinces.

Local sources said before the military was carrying out joint operations with the Peshmerga in Kirkuk city.

Since mid-June, the Iraqi army and Kurdish Peshmerga forces have been pitted against the ISIL militants, who have taken control of large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.

The U.S. is leading an international coalition, which includes France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, and has carried out numerous airstrikes against the ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

Anadolu Agency