A coalition led by the United States has increased airstrikes targeting Islamic state militants in the city of Ramadi. And Shi’ite Muslim forces are also preparing to deploy to the city.
Over the weekend, the Islamic State group claimed to have seized the entire city. However, the U.S. Defense Department questions that claim. Hundreds of people reportedly were killed when militants entered the city overpowering Iraqi troops. AP and Reuters news agencies say thousands of people have fled the city in the past few days.
Ramadi is mainly a Sunni Muslim city. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi approves the Shi’ite militia’s redeployment to Ramadi although he had concerns over sectarian divisions there.
