Warning of a 'Humanitarian Catastrophe' in Fallujah

The United Nations has warned that self-proclaimed Islamic militants are using civilians in Fallujah as 'human shields.' Iraqi military and security forces are conducting a major operation against this group to fully retake the city. The UN states there are reports that the 'Islamic State' (ISIS) has gathered hundreds of families and intends to use them in the city center as 'human shields.' This is not the first time ISIS has taken such action. According to Reuters, Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the 'Refugee Council' and a senior official coordinating humanitarian actions for the United Nations in the region, warned on June 1 that 'a catastrophe is on the way.' Mr. Egeland stated that 'the parties involved must guarantee the safe exit of civilians before it is too late and more people are killed.' Nevertheless, it appears that many civilians remain trapped in the city. The United Nations reports that around 3,700 people managed to flee the city last week, mainly those living in the outskirts. Images from the Associated Press show parts of the army's operations on May 30. Aryan Romeri, a spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency, said, 'We know that [ISIS militants] are preventing civilians from leaving.' Ms. Romeri also added that there are reports from some who managed to escape that extremists forced them to move from one point to another in the city. According to Reuters, the Iraqi Rapid Response Forces, which have been advancing into the city, were halted last night half a kilometer from the 'Martyrs' area, which is one of the main residential areas in southeastern Fallujah. Earlier, Ayatollah Sistani, one of the most important Shia clerics in Iraq, called for the protection of civilians during military operations. Fallujah, located 50 kilometers from the Iraqi capital, was captured by ISIS two years ago and was one of the first major cities in Iraq to join the self-proclaimed 'caliphate' of this extremist group. Iraqi military and security forces are conducting their operations against 'Islamic State' with air support from a coalition led by the United States. Published images indicate that Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, has also been present among the predominantly Shia militants in the country. It has been said that Shia militants will not play a role in the operation to enter the city center and will be present on the periphery. In addition to 'Hashd al-Shaabi,' volunteer fighters from Sunni tribes are also participating in the liberation operation of Fallujah. Iraqi army officials announced yesterday that they repelled an 'Islamic State' counterattack and killed 75 militants, but the number of casualties among government forces is still unclear. The operation to retake Fallujah is taking place at a time when Haider al-Abadi's government is also facing political tensions and crises. The Prime Minister of Iraq has called on political groups and parties to set aside their differences and support the army during the current operation.