BAGHDAD — A purported message from the Islamic State group claims it holds entire city of Ramadi after Iraqi forces fled.
The message comes after Iraq's prime minister ordered his country's security forces not to abandon their positions in Anbar province Sunday to the militants. Some troops left their weapons and vehicles behind to flee the militants.
The message said militants held the 8th Brigade army base, as well as tanks and missile launchers left behind by fleeing soldiers.
The message, while it could not be independently verified by The Associated Press, was similar to others released by the group and spread online by known supporters of the extremists.
One official in Anbar province said the city had fallen to the militants. Another denied it when reached by the AP. Federal authorities had no immediate comment.
