Iraqi security forces took control over the University of Anbar in the city of Ramadi in central Iraq that was previously occupied by ISIL militants.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Iraqi security forces on Sunday recaptured the University of Anbar in the city of Ramadi in central Iraq from the Islamic State (ISIL) jihadist group, the country’s’ military command said.

Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, fell to the ISIL in May. The insurgents used the complex of the University as an command base.

"We announce to you the entry of the counter-terrorism forces into the University of Anbar. They are now engaging in battles to clean it up from the remaining terrorists and dismantling bombs and clearing roads," the statement reads.

According to the document, the Iraqi forces will continue to advance toward the nearby district of Tamim.

On July 13, the Iraqi government initiated a military operation to liberate Ramadi and Fallujah, the largest cities in the Anbar province, from the ISIL.

The Islamic State took control of large areas of Iraq and Syria in 2014. ISIL-affiliated groups have conducted attacks in Libya, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and other countries in the region over the past months.