(VOVworld) - Iraqi security forces and allied militias on Saturday retook control of a small town east of Ramadi, capital of Anbar province, after heavy clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants.

Iraq's army and allied paramilitary forces massed around Ramadi, looking for swift action to recapture the city from the IS before it builds up defences. (Photo: CFP)

The operation to regain the town of Huseibah al-Sharqiyah began on Friday. The initial success is hoped to pave the way for the Iraqi government troops to seize the strategic city of Ramadi.

Earlier Iraqi officials affirmed that Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, was completely controlled by the IS last Sunday. This is considered one of the biggest failures of the Baghdad administration since last summer. US authorities said they believe that Iraq’s ground forces and the US air force can help Iraq retake Ramadi.

But a number of American officials have admitted that using only airstrikes will make it hard to reach the set target due to the specific characteristics of Ramadi.