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Sunni militants now controlling most of Iraq's Anbar province

90 percent of Anbar province is now reportedly controlled by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-led militants.

By JC Finley
A platoon of 9th Regional Commando Battalion, Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldiers work their way over rocky burms and sinking sand as they approach a small village during a training exercise in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq on June 8, 2009. (UPI Photo/Brandon Pomrenke/U.S. Army)
A platoon of 9th Regional Commando Battalion, Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldiers work their way over rocky burms and sinking sand as they approach a small village during a training exercise in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq on June 8, 2009. (UPI Photo/Brandon Pomrenke/U.S. Army) | License Photo

BAGHDAD, June 22 (UPI) -- Sunni Islamist militants have reportedly gained control of Iraq's western border crossings into Syria and Jordan.

Al-Waleed, on the border of Syria, and Turaibil, on the Jordanian border, were overtaken on Sunday after Iraqi security forces departed.

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In Ramadi, Shaikh Raad al-Suleiman explained that the militants have captured swathes of territory because of the fleeing Iraqi forces. "Most of the officers and men came to their senses, left their arms, guns and vehicles and fled out of Anbar."

Within two days, 90 percent of the Sunni-dominant Anbar province has reportedly fallen into rebel control, including the strategically important towns of Qaim, Rutba, Rawa and Anah.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-led militants will, with the capture of Iraq's western border crossings, be better positioned to transport equipment, fighters and weapons across the borders.

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