Iraqi troops clear IS mines in recaptured areas of Fallujah

BAGHDAD (AP) – An Iraqi military official says government forces are clearing mines and explosives left behind by members of the Islamic State group in areas recently retaken from the extremists in the city of Fallujah.
Brig. Haider al-Obeidi told The Associated Press on Saturday that operations are still ongoing in Fallujah, with the air force hitting targets in the city including IS snipers positioned near the main hospital.
Al-Obedi’s comments came a day after Iraqi special forces swept into Fallujah, recapturing most of the city as IS’s two-year-old grip crumbled after weeks of fighting.
He said troops are advancing toward the hospital cautiously, concerned that militants stationed there may use patients as human shields.
The Fallujah offensive began in late May, and IS’s defenses in much of the city collapsed abruptly.