BAGHDAD — As the Iraqi Army fights to clear and stabilize a security zone around the nation’s sprawling capital city, CBS News’ Elizabeth Palmer got to see something of a rarity in the region; territory the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) had, but lost

BAGHDAD — As the Iraqi Army fights to clear and stabilize a security zone around the nation’s sprawling capital city, CBS News’ Elizabeth Palmer got to see something of a rarity in the region; territory the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) had, but lost.

In late September, Iraqi soldiers of the 23rd Brigade, fighting alongside paramilitaries, drove ISIS out of a swath of flat, fertile farmland south of Baghdad,

but they couldn’t have done it without some crucial help.

Palmer saw the building in the area that was being used as an ISIS base and sniper position, until three weeks ago when it was destroyed by U.S. airstrikes. Eight ISIS fighters were killed, but some managed to get away.

The fighters retreated back across the Euphrates River, blowing up the bridge as they went so the army couldn’t follow.

More in The fight against ISIS

Now, the two sides trade pot-shots across the water, while the Iraqi army goes about the daily grind of trying to keep ISIS out of Baghdad. They set fire to brush where snipers like to hide, and, crucially, they try and 하남출장안마 stay very close to the local residents.

The people who live there know better than anyone who’s likely to be planting IEDs or hiding guns.

Raad Mohammed is the Iraqi Army’s unit intelligence officer. He fought alongside U.S. Marines in Fallujah in 2007 as they battled al Qaeda in Iraq — the group which has since morphed into ISIS. Mohammed told Palmer that, just like seven years ago, the insurgent fighters in his area are mainly local men, angry with the government.

But this time some of the militant leaders Mohammed is up against are foreign. He said his men have killed fighters from Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Libya and Tunisia.

Across the nation, things haven’t been going well for the Iraqi Army as it tries to claw back territory from ISIS, but the recent victory over the group south of Baghdad — and competent leadership — has boosted morale locally.

Mohammed told Palmer he’s confident his troops can win the fight, but he was careful to avoid predicting when the fight might be over.

Around Baghdad, ISIS fighters are still firmly in control of key towns, and sections of highway.