Iraqi security forces gain control over most of Fallujah

Iraqi police say they have managed to regain control of more areas in the western city of Fallujah as government forces continue to battle al-Qaeda-linked militants.

Iraqi forces on Friday flushed gunmen out of police stations in the city that were captured by militants from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Security sources, however, said a quarter of Fallujah remains under the group’s control.

The militants have also advanced into areas of the nearby city of Ramadi, the capital of Anbar Province.

A police official said militants have deployed snipers in one street there.

Both cities have witnessed clashes between the al-Qaeda-affiliated militants and the security forces backed by local tribesmen.

The violence broke out after the army removed an anti-government protest camp in Ramadi on Monday. Iraqi authorities say the camp was being used by terrorist forces.

Iraq has seen a surge in violence since the beginning of last year.

The United Nations says at least 8,000 people lost their lives in Iraq in 2013.