ISIS Militants Fight Back
A fierce battle is expected to erupt as the ISIS stronghold of Falluja has been surrounded by Iraqi forces.
CNN and other TV stations reported Iraqi forces with coalition support have recaptured villages surrounding the ISIS stronghold of Falluja on Monday.
But the battle continues as the Iraqi forces are determined to drive the ISIS militants out of the city for good. Yesterday, the special forces built up troops around the city.
This mission has put pressure on the ISIS militants who are oblivious of being defeated. In response, ISIS fought day and night as the onslaught of attacks from the Iraqi forces forced them to go out from their hideouts and tunnels.
On a Mission to Retake Falluja
The Iraqi forces, also known as the counterterrorism forces, were so determined to retake Falluja. And, they were so far successful with their attempts. The Iraqi forces retook the village of Nuaimiya, just south of Falluja. In addition, in tandem with supporting militia, the Iraqi forces captured several settlements from ISIS near Falluja, including the town of Saqlawiya and villages of al-Bu Efan, al-Buaziz and al-Shiha, north and west of Falluja.
Last week, the war in Falluja made headlines as the Iraqi forces launched an offensive with the help of the US-led coalition and Shi’ite military troops in the city.
Tens of Thousands of People Trapped in Falluja
According to the U.N. refugee agency, an estimated 50,000 people are trapped in the combat zone as the Iraqi military’s offensive has intensified.
The UN agency is concerned about the reports of the increased number of executions of men and older boys in Falluja who refused to fight on behalf of the militant group.
In addition, aerial bombardments destroyed homes. Many people are feared dead and buried under the rubble.
Displacement and food scarcity also are emerging problems as the war continues.
500-700 IS Fighters in Fallujah
Fallujah is 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad. The city has been under militant control longer than any other part of Iraq.
Many speculated that Falluja is like the Kaaba” for the Islamic State group, referring to the most sacred Muslim site in the world in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca.
Around 500-700 IS fighters are reported to control the Iraqi city. And, they are not just ordinary militants. They have been said to be some of the group’s best-trained.
