Baghdad, May 19 (RHC)-- The self-proclaimed Islamic State has reportedly solidified its hold on the key Iraqi city of Ramadi after capturing it from Iraqi forces on Sunday. There were reports of militants throwing bodies into the Euphrates River.
Meanwhile, thousands of Iranian-aligned Shiite militia fighters are reportedly gathering east of Ramadi in a bid to help retake the city, as the United States has launched airstrikes.
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke acknowledged the loss of Ramadi was a setback, but pledged continued U.S. support.
