Iraqi troops storm center of key ISIS-held city

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraqi troops stormed the center of Ramadi on Tuesday in an attempt to dislodge Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants from the city, a spokesman for Iraqi counter-terrorism units, Sabah al-Numan, told the Reuters news agency.

"Our forces are advancing toward the government complex in the center of Ramadi," al-Numan told Reuters. "The fighting is in the neighborhoods around the complex, with support from the air force."

The operation was launched in earnest in November against the militants, who have held Ramadi since May, when Iraqi forced withdrew after an ISIS onslaught. This came after a months-long attempt to cut off supply lines to the city, which is 60 miles west of Baghdad.

Al-Numan said the troops on Tuesday crossed the Euphrates River to reach downtown Ramadi. He said sporadic clashes were underway and that Iraqi forces are being forced to remove roadside bombs as they push forward.

No paramilitary forces, mostly made up of pro-government Shiite militias, were taking part in the operation, al-Numan said.