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       Iraq Forces Launch Offensive to Retake ISIS-held City of Fallujah

   by Sharon Behn

   Iraqi forces have launched a major offensive to retake the Islamic
   State bastion of Fallujah, ending a months-long siege of the city.

   Fallujah was the first city in Iraq to fall to IS extremists in January
   2014 and the group is well entrenched.

   Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Iraqi forces were
   "approaching a moment of great victory."

   "The Iraqi flag will be raised high over the land of Fallujah," Abadi
   declared on national television Sunday night.

   ''

   The embattled prime minister stood side by side with the nation's top
   military commanders and counterterrorism forces as he spoke.

   Iraq's military has called on residents trapped in the city to mark
   their locations with white flags.

   Very few families have managed to escape the city in the past months
   despite government attempts to open safe corridors. Some have been
   stopped by Islamic State militants; others have been killed by the
   bombs placed along the roads.

   The operation to retake the city is expected to include an array of
   Iraqi forces, including the army, counterterrorism troops, Sunni
   volunteer fighters and powerful Shi'ite militias.

   Fallujah is a traditional Sunni stronghold.

   U.S. airstrikes have been pounding IS targets in and around the city
   for weeks.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/iraq-forces-launch-offensive-to-retak
   e-isis-held-city-of-fallujah/3341784.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/iraq-forces-launch-offensive-to-retake-isis-held-city-of-fallujah/3341784.html