Iraqi forces tighten grip on IS stronghold in Fallujah

Baghdad: Iraqi security forces on Saturday tightened their grip around the city of Fallujah and freed some areas from Islamic State (IS) terrorists after fierce clashes, a security source said.

The troops, backed by US-led coalition aircraft, carried out an operation in the early morning to recapture areas on the western side of Euphrates River, which flows on the edge of the western part of Fallujah, some 50 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua.

Area of Falahat in west of Fallujah was recaptured after fierce clashes in which IS terrorists were forced to withdraw, the source said.

It added that the troops will continue their advance toward the militant-seized area of al-Halabsa in order to push further toward Fallujah from the western bank of Euphrates River.

Meanwhile, the security forces and allied paramilitary units, known as Hashd Shaabi, advanced in east of Fallujah and freed al-Subayhat area after heavy clashes with the terrorists, killing at least 13 terrorists and destroying four of their vehicles, including a suicide car bomb, said the source.

Saturday's operations came after the security forces managed to seize part of al-Shuhada district in south of Fallujah and raised the Iraqi flag over some buildings after fierce clashes with IS terrorists on Wednesday.