Conditions in Fallujah are deteriorating rapidly, according to officials. Supplies of essential items such as food and medications are running out. Shelling from outside the city has killed dozens of civilians, but Islamic State militants are killing those who try to flee. They are also afraid of the Shi’ite militiamen waiting just outside the city limits. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, those residents who have successfully escaped are in a state of shock due to their months-long suffering in Fallujah.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi asked Iraqis to postpone their demonstrations until after the operation to free Fallujah is finished. The request appears have to be answered. Sadrist protestors have called tomorrow’s weekly protest off.
Shi’ite militias have reportedly threatened Sunni families in the Imam Ahmed neighborhood of Tuz Khormato with death unless they move out immediately.
At least 95 people were killed and 80 were wounded:
The Anbar Provincial Council reports that six more civilians have died in mortar attacks since the launch of operations in Fallujah. That brings the total up to 32 deaths. Another 50 civilians have been wounded in the shelling. Dozens of militants were killed in strikes.
Bombs in Mishada and Sabaa al-Bour killed four people and wounded 16 others.
In Baghdad, a bomb killed three shoppers and wounded 10 more in Abu Dshir.
A bomb at a booby-trapped house in Tarmiya killed five troops and wounded three more.
In Sejar and Jughafi, clashes left four soldiers and 30 militants dead.
A bomb wounded a militiaman near Baquba.
Sixteen militants were killed in Khalidiya.
In Mosul, eight militants were executed for refusing to fight. Six militants were killed in an airstrike.
Six militants were killed in Albu Shejil.
Peshmerga forces in Bashiqa killed five militants.
Security personnel killed two militant officers in Albu Bali.
