Iraqi forces driving ISIS further out of Fallujah

Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes have seized significant portions of Fallujah, according to Saturday reports, with the prime minister declaring the city “has returned to the nation.”

{mosads}Fallujah fell to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants nearly three years ago. 

Fighters with Iraq’s elite special forces stormed the city’s main hospital, which was being used as a base for ISIS militants. The day before, coalition troops recaptured the mayor’s office and raised the Iraq national flag.

However, Iraqi government forces only control about one-quarter of the city and are still working to reclaim the rest.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Fallujah is “back home” and said Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, would be next.

PM Al-Abadi: Fallujah has returned to the nation and Mosul is the next battle, Daesh will be defeated pic.twitter.com/rNhHKMfYfF

— Haider Al-Abadi (@HaiderAlAbadi) June 17, 2016

The U.S.-led coalition over the past week has launched 17 airstrikes targeting militants inside Fallujah