Iraqi troops battle ISIL militants in Fallujah fight

World Today

An important battle in the fight against ISIL is raging in the heart of Iraq.

Local troops supported by coalition airpower are trying to wrest the city of Fallujah away from the Islamic militants.

CCTV America’s Sean Callebs reports.

The casualties so far, are likely a precursor to what is going to happen now that Iraqi forces are pushing their way into Fallujah.

A key city, captured around two years ago by ISIL militants, and a jewel in their crown in efforts to create a caliphate in Syria and Iraq.

Even bolstered by Shia militias and coalition air power, Iraqi forces know the battle could be protracted and bloody.

Refugees have been streaming out of the city. They carry as much as they can, but are also weighed down by the horrors they endured living under ISIL the past two years.

There are as many as 50,000 civilians still trapped in Fallujah with reports that ISIL is using civilians as human shields.


Phil Gurski on the effect of the fighting on civilians in Fallujah

For more on the effect of the fighting on civilians in Fallujah, CCTV America’s Elaine Reyes Spoke to Phil Gurski, who worked as a strategic analyst in the Canadian intelligence community for over 30 years. He is now President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting.
Follow Elaine Reyes on Twitter @ElaineReyesTV