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Barrel bombs pummel Anbar

Analysts say the Iraqi government is pursuing a scorched-earth policy, using barrel bombs to regain control of cities it lost to terrorist organizations.
Firefighters inspect a market destroyed after an attack by Iraq security force helicopters in Ramadi, June 8, 2014. More than 420,000 people have already escaped the two main cities of western Anbar province, Falluja and Ramadi, in fighting since the start of the year. REUTERS/ Ali al-Mashhadani (IRAQ - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY MILITARY) - RTR3SS3E
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Officials and residents in Anbar have repeatedly accused the Iraqi government of dumping barrel bombs on the cities of the province. They even started documenting evidence showing the use of this weapon, which has been used extensively by the Syrian regime against its opponents over the past two years.

The Iraqi army is counting on the air force to retake control of the cities dominated by armed militias affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) and a few tribal groups.

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