U.S. Army: ISIS Commander Killed in Fallujah

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army stated on Friday that during airstrikes supporting the Iraqi Army against positions of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the city of Fallujah, at least 70 Islamist fighters, including the ISIS commander in the city, have been killed. According to Reuters, Colonel Steve Warren, spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition forces in the battle against ISIS, emphasized that in recent days, coalition forces have conducted at least 20 airstrikes against ISIS positions in Fallujah. Colonel Warren stated that Maher al-Bilawi, the military commander of ISIS in Fallujah, was killed two days ago. This military spokesperson clarified that although the deaths of Maher al-Bilawi and other fighters will not cause the enemy to cease fighting, it is a significant blow to ISIS. While reports indicate that people in Fallujah are facing hunger and shortages of essential supplies, Hadi Ameri, commander of the Badr Organization, stated that a decisive battle to retake Fallujah will begin in the coming days. Iraqi forces have launched operations to liberate Fallujah, located 50 kilometers west of Baghdad, this week. According to Reuters, Hadi Ameri, standing alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, stated that the first phase of this operation to completely besiege Fallujah began on Monday and is now nearing completion. These statements by Hadi Ameri were broadcast on Iraqi state television. Haider al-Abadi had previously claimed that all areas under ISIS control in Iraq would be reclaimed by 2016. According to Reuters, Fallujah is considered one of the main bases for Islamist fighters and was the first city to be captured by ISIS in January 2014. After Mosul, Fallujah is the second-largest city in Iraq still under the control of ISIS forces. Hadi Ameri had previously stated that the Shiite militia forces or Hashd al-Shaabi would only participate in the siege operation of Fallujah and would not enter the city; instead, the Iraqi Army would carry out the liberation of the city. However, he clarified that if the army fails to make progress in the liberation operation, then the Shiite militias would enter Fallujah. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Iraqi Army also stated that due to the landmines and roadside bombs planted by ISIS, the advance towards Fallujah is slow. He stated that the army has so far defused 250 roadside bombs and explosive traps.