ISIS's Use of Civilians as 'Human Shields' in Fallujah

As Iraqi forces advance towards the city of Fallujah in Anbar province to liberate it from ISIS or the 'Islamic State' group, residents of the city report that militants are using civilians as 'human shields.' Iraqi state television announced on Friday, June 7, that Iraqi forces succeeded in liberating the al-Sajer district from the control of Islamic State militants. Friday marks the fifth day of Iraqi forces' operations to liberate Fallujah, the first Iraqi city to be captured by Islamic State militants. On Thursday, Iraqi forces had fully taken control of the al-Karmah area. Now, security sources and the Joint Operations Command in Anbar province say that Iraqi forces, supported by Shiite militias (Hashd al-Shaabi) and Sunni tribal volunteers, managed to retake the strategic al-Sajer bridge connecting the al-Sajer district to Fallujah from the militants. Iraqi forces also suffered casualties in the area. Al Jazeera reported that at least 20 elite Iraqi forces were killed in an attack by seven suicide bombers using explosive-laden vehicles. Iraqi forces, with the support of coalition warplanes led by the United States, were also able to enter the areas of Abu al-Hawa district located southwest of Fallujah, which is about 10 kilometers from the Fallujah bridge. Meanwhile, Major General Ismail al-Mahlawi, commander of Anbar operations, stated that army, police, and tribal militias continue their advance towards Fallujah. He also reported the deaths of dozens of Islamic State militants, the destruction of 18 of their explosive-laden vehicles, and the demolition of 5 underground tunnels. On the other hand, the United Nations once again urged the warring parties in Iraq to do everything possible to protect the lives of civilians in Fallujah and safeguard the city's infrastructure based on international law. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, stated that at least 50,000 civilians are besieged in Fallujah. He added that those who managed to escape from the city emphasized that the situation in Fallujah is dire, with very little food, supplies running out, and many families using contaminated water. This UN official noted that humanitarian agencies operating in Iraq have repeatedly warned about the threats to civilians' lives in Fallujah. He continued that painful reports have been received about civilians besieged in Fallujah who intend to flee the city. According to media reports, those who managed to escape from the city said they passed through the 'death road.' They stated that Islamic State militants have stationed snipers to prevent civilians from fleeing so they can use them as 'human shields.' These individuals also mentioned that the militants have mined the roads leading out of the city as well as many homes. So far, about 800 families have managed to flee from Fallujah. Some reports also indicate indiscriminate bombing of the city, with the majority of casualties being civilians.