Iraqi forces have scored a big win against Islamic State In Iraq and Syria extremists by regaining control of Ramadi - the capital of the mainly Sunni Muslim Anbar province in the Euphrates River valley west of Baghdad - which fell in May and became ISIS' biggest prize this year.

The government in Baghdad says the next target will be the northern city of Mosul, by far the largest population centre controlled by ISIS in either Iraq or Syria.

The authorities gave no immediate death toll from the battle for the city. They have said most residents were evacuated before the assault.

Iraqi troops yesterday were reported to be trying to clear booby traps planted by retreating ISIS fighters.

Reports said ISIS used civilians as human shields to escape the battle when it became clear their last stand in Ramadi was doomed.

The Iraqi government has said Ramadi would be handed over to local police and a Sunni tribal force, a measure aimed at winning over the community to resist ISIS.

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