BAGHDAD — On Dec. 13, a high-ranking officer in Anbar province held security commanders accountable after the Wafaa subdistrict southeast of Ramadi fell under the control of the Islamic State (IS). Areas in the district quickly succumbed to the control of IS while surrounding areas also fell under the thumb of the terrorist organization, which raised concern that IS might take over the whole province. This was particularly true after the organization took the initiative of military advancement, achieved during previous battles in the governmental zone in the province's center, where the headquarters of local government and police forces are located.

The officer, who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, said that IS mobilized 1,000 fighters to enter the subdistrict and cordon it off.

“The battle lasted for three consecutive days and security forces were able to kill and wound a number of fighters. Security commanders, however, did not respond to our continuous calls for backup and support, which led to the subdistrict falling under the control of IS,” he said.

This story does not seem to be uncommon to developments in Anbar. The siege of Iraqi soldiers by IS in their military bases, or the complete fall of cities, has always been the result of security commanders being unresponsive to the calls issued by besieged officers and soldiers.