Iraqi forces regained control of the key city of Hit, while a “tough fight” remains in the Tigris River Valley, the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve said today.

“Last week in the Euphrates River Valley, Iraqi security forces tore Hit from ISIL’s grasp and gave it back to the Iraqi people. Hit is liberated,” Army Col. Steve Warren told Pentagon reporters in a teleconference from Baghdad.

Clearing Hit disrupts the ability of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant to move foreign fighters and supplies into the Euphrates River Valley, the colonel said, and it sets the stage for future offensive operations.

Warren highlighted the close coordination between the Iraqi army, the Iraqi counter terrorism service and Sunni tribal forces.

The operational achievements in the fight are a direct result of the coalition’s commitment to train and equip partner forces, Warren said.

In the Tigris River Valley, Iraqi forces repelled several coordinated attacks.

“Iraqi security forces continue to consolidate and improve their defensive positions while continuing to increase their combat power,” Warren said.

In other developments, U.S. forces on Sunday conducted a raid that targeted Suleiman Abd Shabib al-Jabouri, a ISIL military emir and war council member.