Iraq loses control of Fallujah to militants

A senior Iraqi security official in Anbar Province says the government has lost control of the western city of Fallujah to al-Qaeda-linked militants.

According to Press TV quoting AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said on Saturday that the flashpoint city “is under the control” of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which operates in Iraq and Syria.
The cities of Fallujah and Ramadi in Anbar Province have been the scene of deadly clashes between security forces and al-Qaeda-affiliated militants over the past days.
Security officials said the fighting left more than 100 people dead in Ramadi and Fallujah on Friday.
The violence broke out on Monday when the army removed an anti-government protest camp in Ramadi. Authorities said the camp was used as “headquarters for the leadership of al-Qaeda.”