ISLAMIC STATE (Isis) forces inflicted heavy casualties on Iraqi security forces today, killing at least 23 troops and pro-government Sunni fighters in western province Anbar.

Police officials said that a suicide bomber had struck first, targeting a gathering of pro-government Sunni fighters near the town of al-Baghdadi.

Isis units then attacked nearby army and police positions, setting off hours-long clashes in which police and hospital officials said that 23 troops had been killed and 28 wounded on the government side.

They added that the attackers had “sustained some casualties” but gave no further details.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told a group of newly graduated army officers in Baghdad today that government forces would retake all areas that fell to Isis during last summer’s stunning blitz.

“We will emerge victorious and the day our lands are liberated is nearing,” he said in a speech to mark Army Day.