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The Battle for Fallujah, Iraq (36 photos)

Two years ago, ISIS fighters and allied groups attacked Iraqi police and soldiers in Fallujah, a large city about 30 miles west of Baghdad, and took control of the region. Two years later, and Iraqi pro-government forces, popular mobilization forces, and tribesmen, backed by a US-led coalition, have pushed to the center of Fallujah, retaking much of the city. Beginning in late May, the offensive became a weeks-long siege, as surrounding towns and villages were recaptured. While more than 50,000 civilians remain in Fallujah, more than 40,000 are estimated to have fled—risking their lives to do so, as reports have been made that ISIS militants are shooting residents who try to leave. ISIS resistance has so far been lighter than expected, but booby traps and mines left behind still pose a risk. Iraqi forces plan to clear central Fallujah, and advance to its northern neighborhoods next.

A member of Iraq’s security forces fires artillery during clashes with ISIS militants near Fallujah, Iraq, on May 29, 2016. (Alaa Al-Marjani / Reuters)
http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2016/06/the-battle-for-fallujah-iraq/487859/