US vice president, Iraqi PM discuss offensives against Daesh

WASHINGTON

Vice President Joe Biden called Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Wednesday to discuss military operations underway in Iraq, including in Anbar and Saladin provinces. 

"The vice president specifically welcomed the prime minister’s call from the frontlines for the protection of civilians and the importance of ensuring all armed groups act under control of the state," according to a statement from Biden's office. 

Iraqi security forces, backed by the U.S.-led international coalition and tribal fighters, have launched an operation on Daesh terror group targets in Anbar province in western Iraq where 38 militants were killed Wednesday. Daesh is the Arabic acronym for ISIL. 

An offensive Tuesday in the northern province of Saladin, killed 25 militants. Iraqi troops were supported by al-Jabbour tribal fighters and the al-Hashid al-Sha’bi Shiite militia in the clashes that took place near the city of Tikrit, home town of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Biden’s office said, the vice president “commended Prime Minister Abadi and other Iraqi leaders for building a national front before launching the ongoing operation near Tikrit."

Biden also acknowledged the Iraqi government’s efforts to enable fighters from Saladin to participate in reclaiming their own territory from ISIL and to ensure displaced populations can return to their homes after Deash is defeated and local areas are stabilized.