Iraqi forces have reportedly launched an offensive against Islamic State (IS) militants in the country's Anbar Province.
The BBC said that an announcement had been made to this effect by a spokesman of the Popular Mobilization, a force comprising of dozens of Shia militias.
He was quoted, as saying, that the operation would see government troops and militiamen move southwards from Salahuddin Province to cut off IS militants in Ramadi.
Ramadi, which is the provincial capital, was captured by IS this month following the Iraq Army's withdrawal.