Iraqi army, backed by Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), liberated Al-Intisar neighborhood in Rutbah’s center.

Iraqi army, backed by Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), liberated Al-Intisar neighborhood in Rutbah's center.

Deputy Head of Special Operations in Iraq's counter-terrorism apparatus, Brigadier General Abdul Amir al-Khazraji, said that al-Intisar neighborhood was liberated and that the Iraqi flag was raised there.

"Counter-terrorism forces managed to liberate al-Intisar neighborhood, south of Rutbah town, which lies in the city's center," al-Khazraji said late on Tuesday.

"The Iraqi flag was raised on one of the neighborhood's buildings."

"Counter-terrorism forces proceed advancing to liberate more neighborhoods and areas in Hit town from ISIL (Takfiri group)," the Iraqi general said.

A US air strike killed two "high-value" ISIL fighters in Iraq. Baghdad-based military spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said the May 13 strike on a building killed Abu Hamza, Abu Safiya and a third ISIL fighter.