Iraq says clashes with IS outside Fallujah briefly subside

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials say clashes between government forces and the Islamic State group outside the city of Fallujah have briefly subsided.

The Iraqi troops are engaged in the second day of a large-scale military operation to drive the militants out from their stronghold west of Baghdad.

In nearby Garma, Mayor Ahmed al-Halbosi says engineering teams are clearing booby traps from houses and government buildings on Tuesday — a day after capturing most of the town. Garma is just east of Fallujah and is considered a main supply line for IS.

Col. Mahmoud al-Mardhi, in charge of paramilitary forces, says they are still encountering pockets of resistance in Garma outskirts. He says Fallujah is now completely isolated.

Iraq launched the Fallujah offensive on Sunday, backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and paramilitary troops.AP