Euronews

US-led airstrikes continue to pound Islamic State militants in Ramadi as the battle for the capital of Anbar province enters its fourth day.

The head of military operations said the Iraqi offensive is being hampered by suicide bombs, snipers and booby traps. He said ISIL militants left behind jerry cans filled with explosives and planted bombs on roads and in houses.

Ramadi fell to the so-called Islamic State in May and Iraqi armed forces first entered the city on Tuesday. The predominantly Sunni city lies on the Euphrates River, some 100 km west of Baghdad.

If they are successful, Ramadi will be the second major city after Tikrit to be retaken from ISIL in Iraq. The city of Mosul is still under the control of the militants.