Iraq forces push into streets of Islamic State-held Fallujah

May 31, 2016 03:15

Iraqi forces thrust into the city of Fallujah from three directions on Monday marking a new and perilous urban phase in the week-old operation to retake the jihadist bastion.

The drive to recapture the first city to be lost from government control in 2014 came as fighting also raged in neighbouring Syria, leaving huge numbers of civilians exposed.

Led by the elite counter-terrorism service, Iraq's best trained and most seasoned fighting unit, the forces pushed into Fallujah before dawn, commanders said.

"Iraqi forces entered Fallujah under air cover from the international coalition, the Iraqi air force and army aviation, and supported by artillery and tanks," said Lieutenant General Abdelwahab al-Saadi, the commander of the

operation.

"There is resistance from Daesh," he added, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

The forces have not yet ventured into the city centre but they recaptured some areas in a southern suburb after crossing a bridge, and took up positions on the eastern and northern fringes.

The involvement of the elite CTS marks the start of a phase of urban combat in a city where in 2004 US forces fought some of their toughest battles since the Vietnam War.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Another Indian arrested in Canada in Nijjar murder case

Amardeep Singh, 22, a resident of Brampton, Surrey, and Abbotsford areas of Canada, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Play-off berth sealed, KKR's winning mantra revealed!

The key to Kolkata Knight Riders success this season lies in their players' newfound ability to support each other through highs and lows, something that was "missing" over the past two years, feels the team's vice-captain Nitish Rana.

Ananya, Suhana, AbRam Cheer KKR!

Co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was not present at the Eden Gardens but his kids Suhana and AbRam cheered for the Knights from the stands.

'Mummy Was Truly Our Universe'

To share your Mother's Day story with us, please mail us at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: Mother's Day) along with your name, the place where you live, your mother's name and picture and your message about your mom.

Starc Or Varma: Whose Run Out Was Better?

There were some magical moments in the field from both teams that brought fans and franchise owners to their feet.