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Local Iraqi forces testing IS defenses in Anbar

US-trained, local tribal fighters are preparing to cleanse Iraq's Anbar province of the Islamic State.
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SAGRA (WESTERN ANBAR), Iraq — Former teachers, policemen, tradesmen and others from tribal areas still under Islamic State (IS) control are receiving training close to the front line in Iraq's westernmost region.

They will be essential to the fight against IS in this area and are providing critical intelligence on the areas to be retaken, noted Col. Ali Fendi, the commander of the Iraqi army's 1st brigade, 7th division, who has been in charge of this front since January.

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