The fight for Fallujah has gathered momentum as Iraqi forces and allied militia begin to make progress at the front lines.
Last month, Iraq announced the beginning of their attempt to retake Fallujah from the self-proclaimed Islamic State, who have held the city since 2014.
Colonel Jassim Hameed, from the Iraqi army's 17th Division, says troops have battered fighters with heavy gunfire.
"Hideouts and positions of the terrorist and cowardly Islamic State (Daesh) group were pounded with artillery. God willing, we are going to purge the other areas."
As the "purge" spreads, the people are fleeing.
At least 4,000 people - almost one tenth of those trapped in Fallujah - have escaped, using what Iraq has called its first "relatively safe" exit route.
Iraqi Defence Minister Khalid al-Obeidi says the civilian presence has prevented them from entering the city.
"The presence of civilians inside the city of Fallujah is one of the main obstacles that delays our troops from entering the city. The military commanders and I are determined to protect civilians. Our goal is to liberate Fallujah, not to harm its population."
Ground has also been gained in the northern city of Mosul, which was also overrun by IS two years ago.
Iraqi troops and the United States-led coalition have both intensified their campaigns against the militants.
Local soldiers have promised to liberate Mosul.
"We have liberated a number of areas and, God willing, we say to our people in Mosul you have been patient long enough and here we are coming to liberate you from oppressions."
The IS headquarters in the Syrian city of Raqqa is also under fire.
Advances are being made by US-backed fighters, and by Syrian government troops supported by Russia.
But Russia and Syria continue to be criticised for their actions, after another deadly airstrike in the flashpoint city of Idlib which observers say killed more than 20 people, including children.
Both Russian and Syrian jets operate in the area, although it is still unclear which one is to blame.
