Iraqi forces occupy central Fallujah

Although Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi claimed Friday that his army had captured Fallujah after weeks of combat against the Islamic State, the fighting continues, according to US military sources, outside the town’s center, only parts of which are in Iraqi hands. Those sources also attest to many Islamists fleeing the embattled areas disguised as civilian refugees. DEBKAfile adds that the Fallujjah victory should be credited mainly to the US air force which provided support for the pro-Iranian Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces and Badr Brigades leading the campaign. Friday, Al Qods chief Gen. Qassem Soleimani was seen visiting the liberated parts of the town.