Iraq's victory in Fallujah: IS weakening or setting a trap?

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has declared victory over IS in Falluja after regaining control of the city centre.

Victory too easy

This is the most important step in the 4-week campaign to control the city, considered one of the most difficult challenges in the Iraqi army's fight against IS, creating a solid foundation to continue the campaign to liberate IS's largest stronghold, Mosul.

Iraqi soldiers raise a flag in downtown Fallujah. AP photo.

The latest victory in Fallujah comes after days of fierce fighting that forced many IS extremists to flee the city.

According to the Iraqi army general, the security forces have liberated 70% of the city. The campaign is still ongoing to liberate the northern part of the city. However, in these areas, the security forces have encountered weak resistance from IS.

Prime Minister al-Abadi also pledged that thousands of families who had been evacuated from Fallujah and nearby towns and villages would soon be able to return home after defeating IS militants.

“We were committed to liberating Fallujah and we have. The brave Iraqi forces have entered the town and are in control of many areas of the city. There are still some areas that need to be liberated in the next few hours.

“I have asked all relevant agencies to cooperate in helping civilians and providing humanitarian aid to the people. I have also asked the security forces to take control of Fallujah to protect the lives and properties of the people,” Mr. al-Abadi said.

The campaign to retake Fallujah - the second largest city in Iraq - is considered one of the most difficult challenges in the Iraqi army's fight against IS.

Right from the start of the campaign, the military forces had to face fierce resistance from IS. Therefore, the victory after only 4 weeks of the campaign is considered quite surprising and successful for the Iraqi army in particular and the international coalition against IS in general.

Victory in Fallujah would also be a major blow to IS as the group has lost territory in recent years, paving the way for the liberation of the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Prime Minister al-Abadi said security forces would soon advance to the northern city of Mosul, to liberate the largest IS "stronghold" in Iraq.

The rapid decline of IS in Iraq and Syria as it loses territory is raising concerns among international counter-terrorism forces.

IS losing ground or wants to change tactics?

Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Brennan recently warned that IS may change its tactics in the coming months, using guerrilla warfare to reclaim lost territories, or using shocking attacks outside the controlled territory to show off its prestige.

Mr. Brennan emphasized that although the US and its allies have made much progress in the fight against IS, causing IS to suffer great losses in Iraq and Syria, this terrorist group still has the ability to carry out attacks around the world.

“Despite our progress in the fight against ISIL, we cannot diminish ISIL’s ability to conduct terrorist attacks and reach globally. This is a global challenge. ISIL’s numbers now far exceed what al-Qaeda had at its peak,” Brennan said.

The CIA director also warned of the possibility that IS would call on its supporters to carry out "lone wolf" attacks in their own home countries.

Mr. Brennan emphasized that IS is gradually linking many branches into a tight network. The branch in Libya is likely to be the most sophisticated and dangerous, but IS is also looking to expand its influence in Africa./.

According to VOV/Dantri