Iraqi army recaptures three villages from Islamic State fighters

Iraq's armed forces have recaptured three villages from Islamic State fighters west of Baghdad.

Video from the defense ministry shows the army's push toward Falluja, -- it's a trail of broken homes and scorched bodies.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED IRAQI SOLDIER, SAYING:

"Troops of the 17th Infantry Division, 60 Brigade, backed by air support from army aviation, destroyed hideouts of Daesh (I-S) in al-Rifoush area. You have seen the bodies and victory was achieved and we will go to Anbar, God willing, and we will liberate Mosul, God willing."

U.S. President Barack Obama wants to send some 1,500 troops to advise Iraqis on the ground in their fight against the militant group. On Saturday the U.S. said airstrikes near Mosul hit an Islamic State convoy.