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

Christian Singer-Songwriter Forrest Frank Shares about His Miraculous Healing on Fox & Friends

Texas Pastor Challenges Cohabiting Couples to Marry; Dozens Show Up for Joint Ceremony

UK Will Remove Historical Figures from Currency in Latest Move to Erase National Heritage [Video]

South Dakota Wins Legal Victory against New York Abortion Pill Promoters

Is It Happening? Cuban Regime Makes a Big Announcement

Epic Fury Update: US Refueling Aircraft Crashes over Iraq with No Survivors; Pray for Their Families

CNN's Abby Phillip Apologizes On-Air after Tweet-Correction Prompts Even More Criticism [Video]

TERRORISM & HEROISM: ODU Shooter Supported ISIS, Shouted 'Allahu Akbar', Was Killed by ROTC Students

US Intercepts Possible Iranian Islamic Regime 'Sleeper Assets' Trigger

'As Christ Has Done for Us': Family of Teacher Killed in Prank Offers Mercy to Students

Christian Leaders Help Defeat Colorado Attempt to Legalize 'Women as Commodities'

Trump Appoints Erika Kirk to Air Force Academy Board

'America First Always': President Trump Announces New Refinery Being Built in US; First in 50 Years

Pray: Pam Bondi Reportedly Forced onto Military Base as Threats against Trump Officials Grow

Senator Hawley Introduces the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act

Watch This Shock Voter Fraud Video in California; Then Tell Your Senator to Pass the SAVE America Act

Prayer and Action Alert: Senator Thune to Bring SAVE Act to the Senate Floor Next Week

Prayer Alert: Car Ramming and Shooter at Jewish Synagogue in Michigan-Early Report 'No Victims'

President Trump Posts a Couple Christian, Prophetic Videos on His Truth Social Account

Mount Rushmore's Independence Day Fireworks Are Back