Iraq: 50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee

An Iranian-backed Shiite Iraqi militia said on Saturday it planned to storm Falluja, Islamic State’s stronghold near Baghdad, once civilians left the city, as 50000 civilians are trapped in the city.

Families escaped Friday anyway they could. Crossing the Euphrates River outweighed the risks of being trapped inside Fallujah as Iraqi forces slowly encircle the city and the ISIS militants that still control it.

The assault is being spearheaded by U.S.-trained Iraqi Special Forces. There are also Iranian-backed Shiite militias and even local Sunni tribal fighters taking part, all backed up by airstrikes from the U.S. and its allies.

Yet any hopes of a swift victory have been shattered by ISIS’ fierce defense.

Iraqi military officials said that the troops have run into unexpectedly heavy resistance. Mortars, snipers and countless roadside bombs have stalled the advance on the southern outskirts of the city.

ISIS fighters have had an iron grip on Fallujah since capturing it two years ago.

Now, as Iraqi forces edge toward the city itself, Iraqi commanders said the estimated 50,000 civilians who live there make it much harder to call airstrikes in. The battle will likely go street by street and house by house.

Iraq50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee
Members of the Iraqi government forces help people who fled the violence in Saqlawiyah carry their belongings at a military point outside their village, on June 3
Iraq50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee
Iraqi women and children who fled the violence in their village of Saqlawiyah wait to receive aid at a military point outside their village, on June 3
Iraq50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee
Iraqi soldiers help families from a vehicle outside an Iraqi army military camp near Fallujah, on June 3
Iraq50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee
Internally displaced civilians from Fallujah flee their homes by crossing Euphrates River on a boat heading to a safe haven during fighting between Iraqi security forces and ISIS on June 2
Iraq50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee
Displaced Iraqis, who fled the al-Falahat village west of Fallujah, wait to receive food and aid at the village of al-Azraqiyah, on June 4
Iraq50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee
Displaced Iraqi families arrive to an Iraqi army camp after fleeing their homes during fighting, outside Fallujah, Iraq, on June 4
Iraq50000 civilians trapped in Falluja start to flee
An Iraqi girl helps a young boy drink as they receive food and aid at a military point after fleeing the violence in their village of Saqlawiyah, on June 3