Iraqi forces advance as Fallujah offensive begins

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi security forces liberated some areas around the city of Fallujah after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the offensive in the city on Monday.

Fallujah, located in the eastern part of Anbar Province, has been under the control of the Islamic State (IS) since the beginning of the extremist group’s emergence in Iraq in 2014. Since then, the city has become a hub for IS militants.

In a statement on Monday, Abadi announced the launch of the Fallujah offensive against the jihadists. He mentioned that with the power of the Iraqi people, “The flag of Iraq will raise again in Falluja soon.”

He added that it was time for a great victory against IS who will have no option but to escape from the city.

The statement also explains that the Iraqi army, federal police, Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi, Sunni tribal groups of Anbar Province, and counter-terrorism forces are participating in the offensive.

According to an announcement released by the Commander of Iraqi federal police forces Shakir Jawdat, the security forces have advanced to the northeast of Fallujah and liberated the towns of Karma and Sejar.

Jawdat also noted that the forces have killed 40 IS militants, and injured dozens of them.

It is worth mentioning that the international coalition warplanes have not participated in the offensive due to the involvement of the Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi.

Security sources acknowledge that as the attack continues, civilians from IS areas should leave their homes and move toward the liberated territories around Fallujah.

Reporting by Mewan Dolamari
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Ava Homa