Iraqi forces tighten grip on IS stronghold in Fallujah

Iraqi security forces on Saturday tightened their grip around the city of Fallujah and freed some areas from Islamic State (IS) militants after fierce clashes, a security source said.

The troops, backed by U.S.-led coalition aircraft, carried out an operation in the early morning to recapture areas on the western side of Euphrates River, which flows on the edge of the western part of Fallujah, some 50 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Area of Falahat in west of Fallujah was recaptured after fierce clashes in which IS militants were forced to withdraw, the source said.

It added that the troops will continue their advance toward the militant-seized area of al-Halabsa in order to push further toward Fallujah from the western bank of Euphrates River.

Meanwhile, the security forces and allied paramilitary units, known as Hashd Shaabi, advanced in east of Fallujah and freed al-Subayhat area after heavy clashes with the extremist militants, killing at least 13 extremist militants and destroying four of their vehicles, including a suicide car bomb, said the source.

Saturday's operations came after the security forces managed on Wednesday to seize part of al-Shuhada district in south of Fallujah and raised the Iraqi flag over some buildings after fierce clashes with IS militants.

However, advance in southern Fallujah was slowed by IS militants resistance inside the city, with hundreds of hidden bombs believed to be planted by them.

The security forces are also avoiding heavy casualties among tens of thousands of civilians who are reportedly trapped inside Fallujah.

About 50,000 to 70,000 civilians are expected to remain in Fallujah Earlier, said Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasoul, spokesman for the Joint Military Command.

Early in the month, the UN children fund warned that at least 20,000 Iraqi children remained trapped in Fallujah where Iraqi security forces are fighting to drive out the extremist IS militants from the city.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on May 23 the launch of a major offensive to claim Fallujah and surrounding towns and areas.

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

Iraq has been witnessing a wave of violence since the IS controlled parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014. Endit