The northern Iraqi city has been under Islamic State control for more than two years. A week ago, Iraqi government troops launched an operation to re-capture it.
 
There are concerns that ISIS is using children and their families as human shields, a not uncommon tactic among Islamic terror groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
 
More than 50,000 civilians are believed to be trapped in Fallujah, many of them children who face not only a dire humanitarian situation but are also at risk of being forced to fight for the Islamic State.
 
"Children who are forcibly recruited into the fighting see their lives and futures jeopardized as they are forced to carry and use arms, fighting an adults' war," the children's fund said in a statement. It called on "all parties to protect children inside Fallujah" and "provide safe passage to those wishing to leave the city."
 
Fallujah was the first large city in Iraq to fall to ISIS and it is the last major urban area controlled by the extremist group in western Iraq. 
 
Many expect a drawn-out fight for Fallujah because ISIS has had a long time to dig in. 
 
There is also concern the group has planted bombs throughout the city, and the presence of civilians will limit the use of airstrikes.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Man on 'Mission' to Handwrite Entire New Testament: 'Anchor for My Soul'

The 'Great American Outdoors Act 250' Is a Conservative Win for Conservation

Nvidia Unveils Security Platform to Stop AI Agents from Going Rogue

'Why I Quit the Dems': After 70 Years as a Democrat, Alan Dershowitz Says He's Had Enough (Videos)

How Socialist Democrats Use the Soros Strategy to Fill Local Courts With Woke Judges

America's Mayor Tells Lara Logan He Knew by Nightfall on January 6 That It Was a 'Fixed Operation'

Idaho Daycare Must Allow Parents to Opt Out of Vaccines, Court Rules

Millions Recover as Deadly Nor'easter Battered East Coast, 200,000 Lost Power

Prayer Alert: 2 Hurricanes in the Pacific On a Collision Course, While a Giant Nor'easter Is Flooding the East Coast

New Poll Shows Spiritual Revival Among Gen Z

Hundreds Choose Christ as College Revival Reaches Pepperdine: 'What a Night!! What a God!!'

I Debated One of Charlie Kirk's Rivals. Her Response Was Shocking

Oregon Mom Is Free to Adopt After Winning Legal Battle Over Gender-Ideology Mandate

Benefits of Trump's 2025 Tax Cuts Touted by Manufacturers in All 50 States

Trump Butler Assassination Attempt Victim Dies After Suffering from Wounds Following Attack

Netanyahu's Powerful Speech at UN: Blasts 'Genocide' Charges, Says Days of 'Defenseless' Jews are Over

Supreme Court Hands President Trump a Big Win on Election Integrity

2,293 Female Athletes Have Lost First-Place Medals to Biological Males, Research Shows

Criminal Investigation Underway in Canada after Family Says Christian Grandmother Euthanized Without Consent

Israel Votes in Five Weeks. Its American Voters Could Decide Who Wins