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Iraqi security forces backed by local tribesmen have killed at least 71 al-Qaeda-linked militants in the western province of Anbar.

A tribal leader says the militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant were killed during clashes in and near Ramadi. Clashes also took place in the nearby city of Fallujah. Officials say 32 civilians also died during battles in both cities in Anbar province. The security forces have managed to take control of more areas which had earlier fallen into the hands of militants. The unrest came after the removal of an anti-government protest camp in Ramadi on Monday. Authorities said the camp had been used by al-Qaeda-affiliated militants.