Iraqi Defence Minister says 80% of Ramadi destroyed

Iraq’s Defence Minister Khaled al-Obeidi said on Tuesday that 80 percent of the city of Ramadi in Anbar province was destroyed by the battles between security forces and Daesh militants.

During a cabinet meeting he described Ramadi as a ghost city, blaming Daesh for the destruction.

“The group blew up 56 car bombs in various areas but the bombings did not deter our troops from continuing our progress,” said Al-Obeidi, noting that the Iraqi security forces have killed 813 members of the militant group during battles.

Iraqi Minister of Education Mohammad Iqbal said in a statement that 260 schools were destroyed in Ramadi, which will require half a billion US dollars to rebuild, according to the minister.

The Iraqi Defence Ministry announced Monday evening that it retook control of the city of Ramadi.