Iraqi soldiers take part in an intensive security deployment in Ramadi and Falluja prior to an imminent offensive to flush out Al Qaeda militants who have seized control of the two cities on January 1. (Reuters)
Iraqi government forces battling Al-Qaeda-linked militants intensified air strikes and artillery fire on the rebel-held city of Falluja on Sunday, and at least seven people were killed, according to hospital officials and tribal leaders.
Religious and tribal leaders in the city, 50 km (30 miles) west of Baghdad, said they feared an imminent assault by the army to expel militants and end a three-week standoff that has driven thousands of people from their homes.
Iraqi security forces have set up a loose cordon around Falluja and have clashed sporadically with insurgents inside. But they but have held off from an all-out offensive, to give community leaders and tribesmen time to convince the gunmen to withdraw.
“There is no time left for talks and we’re afraid a military solution is looming,” said a local cleric in Falluja, which was the scene of two major battles with US troops in 2004. “A third Falluja battle is at the doors.”
