Iraqi forces hold off jihadi attack on Ramadi

Iraqi security forces have held off a jihadi assault on a government headquarters in troubled Anbar province, deploying reinforcements in the key battleground against ISIS, officers said Thursday, according to AFP.

Pro-government troops, backed by tribesmen, managed to defend the complex in Ramadi, which lies 100 kilometers west of the capital and is one of the last major urban areas in Anbar under Baghdad's control.

The attack by ISIS fighters, as well as clashes in the northern province of Kirkuk, follow gains made elsewhere by government forces battling to recapture ground from the Sunni extremists.

"We were able to stop the militants from advancing in the government complex," said army Colonel Haytham al-Daraji who was involved in the defence of the area on Wednesday.

Four members of the security forces were killed and 21 wounded, according to the officer and a doctor.

Daraji said that more than 10 airstrikes were carried out against the jihadists in Al-Hoz, an area from which security forces pulled back, allowing the jihadists to advance to within striking distance of the key government buildings.

He said reinforcements had been deployed in the city.