Ramadi 'liberated from Isis', Iraqi military spokesman says

Counter-terrorism forces raised the Iraqi flag above the central government complex

Iraqi Security forces with national flag enter downtown Ramadi, 55 miles west of Baghdad, Iraq (AP)

The Iraqi city of Ramadi has been "liberated" from Isis militants, according to a military spokesman.

Iraq's counter-terrorism forces raised the Iraqi flag above the central government complex in the western city, a day after the army declared victory over Isis fighters there.

“Yes, the city of Ramadi has been liberated. The Iraqi counter terrorism forces have raised the Iraqi flag over the government complex in Anbar”, joint operations spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool said in a statement broadcast on state television.

Iraqi forces claimed the huge victory earlier, saying they had regained “full control” of central Ramadi.

US-trained troops regained control of a former strategic government complex in the centre of the majority Sunni city, about 55 miles west of Baghdad.

"By controlling the complex this means that we have defeated them in Ramadi," said Sabah al-Numani, a spokesman for the army counterterrorism unit in charge of the offensive. "The next step is to clear pockets that could exist here or there in the city."

This victory reversed the embarrassing defeat to Isis when Ramadi was captured in May and deprives the militants of their biggest prize of 2015.

It has taken months to organise the campaign and was conducted in co-ordination with coalition air strikes.

The army’s progression through the city had been slower than expected due to fears of explosives and traps laid by Isis militants.