Iraqi forces launched an operation in desert areas **rtheast of Ramadi Tuesday aimed at cutting off the jihadists and preparing a bid to retake the city, a militia spokesman said. The operation will see a mix of security forces and paramilitaries move south from Salaheddin province, said Ahmed al-Assadi, spokesman for the Hashed al-Shaabi. The Hashed al-Shaabi ("popular mobilisation" in Arabic) is an umbrella group for mostly Shiite militia and volunteers, which the government called in after the Islamic State group captured Ramadi on May 17.