Iraqi soldiers with the support of Shiite militias recaptured the Sunni town of Jurf al-Sakhar from the Islamic State militants on Sunday, according to media reports on state-run TV.
The town, 50 kilometers south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, was captured by the Islamic State militants in late July.
Colonel Muthana Khalid, spokesman of the Babil provincial police, said that dozens of militants were killed during the fight to recapture the town.
"Our soldiers raised the Iraqi flag over government offices and buildings in the town. It is another victory achieved against the terrorists," Khalid said, reports the Associated Press.
The State-run TV also aired footage of explosive specialists detonating roadside bombs planted by the militants and Iraqi soldiers walking near the Jurf al Sakhar police station.
According to security officials, the Iraqi security forces also established control over four villages in the areas around the Himreen mountains, 100 km south of the oil city of Kirkuk.
Army major Ahmed Nu'aman said that it was very hard to speed up the efforts to establish control over more regions as the militants had booby trapped houses and planted bombs on the road.
He added that the security forces have decided to advance slowly by setting up watch towers, clearing explosives and building sand barriers to prevent the militants from returning.
Meanwhile, Islamic State Militants in the nearby town of Falluja, an Islamic State stronghold, addressed its followers using loudspeakers attached to captured police vehicles.
"Don't be afraid. Don't worry about what happened in Jurf al Sakhar. The mujahideen will be back," was the message conveyed over loudspeakers, a witness said, reports Reuters.
"Be cheerful. We have 100 suicide bombers preparing for the battle of Amriyat al Falluja and we have more if the situation warrants."
