Iraqi forces, consisting of special forces, soldiers, police, militia forces and pro-government tribesmen, launched a major assault to retake Fallujah, the scene of deadly battles during the U.S. occupation and one of the toughest targets yet in Baghdad's war on the Islamic State group. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced the start of operations in the middle of the night and then visited the battle's operations room.
In this photo, Iraqi pro-government forces advance towards the city of Fallujah on May 23, 2016. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced the start of operations in the middle of the night and then visited the battle's operations room.