CAMP TARIQ: Iraqi forces say they are continuing to push into the city of Fallujah, having secured its outskirts.

Iraqi officers said on Thursday that the large number of civilians in the city was slowing down the military operation, because it means fewer air strikes can be carried out.

Brig. Haider al-Obeidi says “there were fewer civilians in Ramadi, therefore air strikes are now less than during Ramadi operation.”

Iraqi forces are heavily dependent on air strikes to achieve territorial victories against IS. The US-led coalition says they have carried out four air strikes against IS targets in and around Fallujah since Wednesday.

The strikes hit fighting positions, a weapons cache and a tunnel system.Fallujah is one of the last IS strongholds in Iraq. The militants also hold Mosul, the second largest city.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2016