AL-WAFA, Iraq, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Islamic State militants overwhelmed Iraqi police and Sunni tribal fighters in a western Iraqi town Saturday, marking the latest gain in a series of attacks by the group.
The assault on Al-Wafa, 30 miles west of Ramadi, began Friday as Iraqi police and Sunni tribal fighters defended a sand berm surrounding the town, fending off militants as they attempted to breach the perimeter. IS sleeper cells within the city then opened fire on the defenders, who were already low on ammunition.
"I'm frustrated because we were left alone without support," said Al-Wafa's mayor, Hussain Kassar, according to Al Jazeera.
The mayor retreated with police and defending Sunni tribesmen to a police station on the outskirts of town, where they were besieged by IS fighters. At least 19 Iraqi police officers were killed in the assault.
"We are trapped inside the police 18th brigade. Islamic State managed to surround us today," Kassar said by telephone before withdrawing along with the defending force. "If no government forces were sent to help us then we will be exterminated."
Also on Friday IS militants executed roughly 21 Sunni tribal fighters near the town of Al-Baghdadi, which the group has besieged since October.
Al-Baghdadi, along with Al-Wafa, lies west of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq's Anbar province. After seizing Al-Wafa Saturday, IS now controls three major towns west of Ramadi, including Kubaisa and Hit.
The victory adds to a series of attacks by IS in recent days, including the downing of an Iraqi military helicopter and a suicide bombing against Iraqi security forces, both near the northern city of Samarra.
With the help of coalition airstrikes, the Iraqi military has made strides against IS despite initially crumbling against the militants earlier this year. Notably, the Iraqi army gained control of the Baiji Oil Refinery in northern Iraq last month.
U.S. Central Command reported 20 coalition airstrikes in Iraq between Dec. 10 and Dec. 12, including four near Ramadi that destroyed several vehicles, three IS units and a building occupied by the militants.
