(VOVworld) - The Islamic State (IS) militant group on Sunday took full control of the Iraqi city of Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, after security forces withdrew from their positions.

A car is engulfed by flames during clashes in the city of Ramadi, May 16, 2015 (Photo: Reuters)

A provincial security source said the military units stationed in the Eighth Brigade headquarters north of Ramadi pulled out the west of Ramadi and that the militants had taken control.

Muhannad Haimour, spokesman for the governor of Anbar province, said Ramadi city had been completely overtaken by the IS. In an online message, IS announced it had swept away Ramadi following a bloody attack. Iraq’s Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, asked the security forces in Ramadi to stay in position to prevent IS from expanding their raids. He said the force was still supported by the air force.