Ramadi, Apr 11 (IANS) : A total of 22 Islamic State (IS) terrorists were killed on Sunday during clashes and bomb attacks in Iraq's western province of Anbar, according to security sources.

Meanwhile, hundreds of families returned to their homes in the provincial capital city of Ramadi after it was freed from IS militant control, Xinhua quoted security sources as saying.

Security forces and allied paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters fought fierce battles against IS terrorists as part of their offensive campaign aiming to drive out IS terrorists from the town of Heet, 160 km west of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The troops gained more ground in Heet as they took control of the Al-Qal'a and Ummal districts, the source said without giving further details concerning casualties.

However, fierce street fighting continued in Heet, supported by the US-led coalition and Iraqi aircrafts in order to eradicate remaining IS-controlled districts from IS terrorists in the western parts of the town, the source added.

Six soldiers were killed and 13 others were injured during one incident, as eight landmines exploded whilst an army convoy was passing through Hamam Street in central Heet, destroying four military vehicles as well, the source said.