Iraqi forces extend grip in IS stronghold in Fallujah

Iraqi security forces on Tuesday extended their grip in the city of Fallujah, sweeping neighborhoods for pockets of Islamic State (IS) militants in the northern part of the city, a security source said.

The troops, backed by U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi aircraft, managed to free the neighborhood of Shurta and the adjacent Jughaifi and raised the Iraqi flag on some buildings, said the source on condition of anonymity.

Fighting is still underway against pockets of IS resistance in the remaining several neighborhoods in the northern part of the city Fallujah, some 50 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source said.

"Most of the city is now under the control of Iraqi forces after days of fierce fighting with IS militants," it added.

Meanwhile, an army force and allied paramilitary units, known as Hashd Shaabi, recaptured the village of Mukhtar, just north of Fallujah after driving out IS militants, according to the source.

Late last Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared substantial victory against IS group in Fallujah after the recapture of the government compound.

"Our troops have fulfilled their promise and freed the city of Fallujah," Abadi addressed the nation on the state-run Iraqiya television.

"Fallujah has returned to the homeland and our forces took control of the heart of the city," Abadi said.

Nasir Nuri, spokesman of the Iraqi Defense Ministry told local media that "Fallujah will be freed completely within days, depending on the resistance of the remaining pockets and the number of roadside bombs and booby-trapped buildings."

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

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