Fallujah has been the site of a fierce battle between the Iraqi army and Al-Qaeda linked militants, as both sides fought for control of the city over the weekend.
Since Monday the city has been held by Sunni militants, thought to be linked to Al-Qaeda, and tribal militias, united in their fight against the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Government forces have launched an offensive, which included shelling of the city as they attempted to wrestle back control.
Tensions escalated in the country after a Sunni protest camp was broken up by government troops on Monday.
Speaking in Baghdad on Saturday Maliki said,
Since Monday the city has been held by Sunni militants, thought to be linked to Al-Qaeda, and tribal militias, united in their fight against the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Government forces have launched an offensive, which included shelling of the city as they attempted to wrestle back control.
Tensions escalated in the country after a Sunni protest camp was broken up by government troops on Monday.
Speaking in Baghdad on Saturday Maliki said,
“Fighting in Anbar Province will continue until cleared of all armed militants”.
“There will be no retreat before finishing the job.”