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BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi troops and militias backed by U.S.-led airstrikes have surrounded the key city of Ramadi (rah-MAH'-dee) and appear poised to launch a new attempt to retake control from the Islamic State group.
The battle shaping up threatens to turn into a drawn-out siege, with thousands of residents caught in the middle as the forces try to wear down the militants since they took over the capital of western Anbar province in May. On Monday, the Iraqi military dropped leaflets into the city, telling the remaining residents — estimated at anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 — to leave.
But residents tell The Associated Press that the militants have clamped down, setting up checkpoints across the city to monitor civilians' movements and prevent anyone from going. They say the militants are broadcasting warnings from mosque loudspeakers that people who try to flee will be either arrested or killed.
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