U.S. announces Iraqi victory over ISIS in strategic western town Rutba

Iraq forces celebrate after retaking the town of Rutba from ISIS — (Image credit: MOADH AL-DULAIMI/AFP/Getty Images)

On Friday, U.S. military officials announced that Iraqi forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, have captured the town of Rutba from Islamic State control. Rutba, in western Anbar Province, is a key stop on the main road from Baghdad to Amman, Jordan, and kicking ISIS out will make the road usable for Iraqis again, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Sean McFarland, the top U.S. commander in Baghdad, told reporters. "Although it's a small town, it's an important success for the Iraqi security forces." U.S. officials said that airstrikes had convinced most of the hundreds of ISIS fighters to flee to Syria or the city of al-Qaim, leaving roughly 30 ISIS militants in Rutba for the Iraqi forces and Sunni tribal militia to rout.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.