Gov't forces prepare to retake Iraq's largest refinery from ISIL

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Iraqi authorities said they have all but liberated the whole northern city of Baiji from ISIL control as government forces, backed by local tribesmen, prepare to regain control of country's largest refinery located in the city.

A large combined force of the police and army, along with armed tribesmen have "cleared 90 percent of the city of Baiji from terrorists," senior Iraqi police officer Jawdat Shaker told KUNA of the city which includes a major route leading to Anbar province.

The refinery, which is currently under full ISIL isolation, is regarded the largest refinery in Iraq This includes Iraqi government control of the city centre, residential blocks and a major highway which leads to the city's refinery.

The operation witnessed the killing of some six ISIL members, the destruction of three machine-gun mounted vehicles and a river speedboat, said Shaker, while an army officer said that they managed to kill another 60 and apprehend another five.