Fierce clashes have erupted Friday, Jan 10, between Iraqi special forces and al Qaeda-linked militants in a village in western Anbar province.

Provincial spokesman Dhari al-Rishawi said the clashes were taking place in al-Bubali, a village that lies between two main cities in Anbar, Fallujah and Ramadi, according to the Associated Press.

The two cities are under siege by Iraqi security forces and their allies from Sunni tribes who are fighting to recapture Fallujah and Ramadi, which partially came under the control of fighters from the al Qaeda-linked group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.

A police officer said several army vehicles were damaged by roadside bombs planted around the village by the militants.