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. State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke acknowledged the loss of Ramadi was a setback, but pledged continued U.S. support.

Jeff Rathke: “We’ve always known that the fight would be long and difficult, especially in Anbar province. And so there’s no denying that this is a setback, but there’s also no denying that the United States will help the Iraqis take back Ramadi. As of today, we are supporting the Iraqi security forces and the government of Iraq with precision airstrikes and advice to the Iraqi forces. Our aircraft are in the air searching for ISIL targets, and they will continue to do so until Ramadi is retaken.”