Iraq security forces thwart ISIS in battle for Falluja

Iraqi security forces closed in on key territories under the clutches of ISIS in Iraq and Syria on Saturday with advances to regain control of militant controlled towns, military officials say.

According to CNN, Iraqi security forces, with the support of other militia, stormed the first neighbourhood in southern Falluja after recapturing the district of al Nuaimiya.

Iraqi security forces recaptured the key small town of Saqlawiya, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of Fallujah.

Troops there "raised the national flag over the town's main buildings," Iraq's Joint Operation Command said.

The takeover of Saqlawiya comes a day after coalition warplanes bombed ISIS command centers and tunnel networks in Falluja, killing dozens of militants.

In January 2014, Falluja became the first Iraqi city to fall to ISIS -- dealing a blow to Iraq as well as Western countries battling the terrorist group.

Today is the first time more than two years Iraqi security forces have come this close to a full takeover, army officials said.

This is the first time in two years the Syrian Army has been inside Raqqa, the capital of ISIS' self-proclaimed caliphate.