LOC21:28
18:28 GMT
BAGHDAD, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced on
Saturday suspension of its military operations in Fallujah city, Anbar
governorate, for only three days.
The move comes in response to demands by clerics and chieftains for
residents there to initiate in isolating and expelling all terrorists from the
city.
The military operations will be suspended for 72 hours as of tonight till 6:
00 a.m. Monday, February 24, the ministry explained in a statement.
The suspension comes in response to goodwill initiatives conducted by
clerics, chieftains, and even officers who desired to stop the bloodshed in
Fallujah where people are being killed and displaced of their homes due to the
control of the insurgents belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the
Levant (ISIL).
The ministry warned the terrorists about the consequences of attacking
civilians, security forces, governmental institutions, and hospitals that aim
at showing the public that the Iraqi government did not honor its commitments
and promises to protect civilians, affirming that Iraqi Security Forces'
response will be severe and harsh.
It urged tribesmen to expel all terrorists from the city in order to bring
back life to its normal condition in Fallujah, and educational institutions,
businesses, and facilities can resume their activities once again. (end)
ahh.ma
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