Iraq says in final push to liberate IS-held Fallujah

Iraqi security forces on Monday launched the final stage of an offensive aimed at freeing the city of Fallujah and nearby areas from Islamic State (IS) militants, security sources said.

"The troops and allied Shiite and Sunni paramilitary units, known as Hashd Shaabi, at about 5:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) started their advance toward their targets in the city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, to free it from Daesh (IS group)," Sabah Nu'man, spokesman of anti-terrorism force, told the state-run Iraqiya channel.

The troops, covered by U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi aircraft, have faced weak resistance so far, Nu'man said, adding that many of the extremist militants have been killed during the operation.

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces and Hashd Shaabi units recaptured Shieha area north of the IS-held town of Saqlawiyah, northwest of Fallujah, after fierce clashes with IS militants, a local security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Monday's operation came a day after the security forces said that they have completed preparation for a final attack to retake Fallujah.

On May 23, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the launch of the offensive to retake Fallujah.

The announcement was made at a time when the country is grappling with a chaos surrounding cabinet reshuffle.

Earlier, the interior ministry said the army has almost accomplished the first stage of tightening siege on Fallujah and will soon start to break into the city.

Government troops and allied militias have currently been fighting for months to reclaim key cities and towns in Anbar from IS militants, who have been attempting to advance toward Baghdad after seizing most of Anbar province. Endit