The attacks come as Iraqi forces are trying to dislodge Islamic State militants from Falluja

 

Islamic State's far-flung enemies in Syria and Iraq pressed ahead on Wednesday with major advances on multiple fronts  

  Falluja would be the third major city in Iraq recaptured by the government after Tikrit and Ramadi

The stranded rebels were air dropped weapons last week by the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State

 

 The United Nations estimates 50,000 civilians are trapped in Iraq's besieged Falluja

 

  Suspicions rose that Moscow and Washington were covertly coordinating operations by their respective Syrian allies

The offensive appears to be the biggest Damascus has mounted against Islamic State since it recaptured the city of Palmyra  

  Tens of thousands of civilians are trapped in the city with limited access to water, food and healthcare.

After heavy resistance from Islamic State fighters, the troops have not moved over the past 48 hours, keeping their positions...

 

  “A human catastrophe is unfolding in Fallujah. Families are caught in the crossfire with no safe way out,” said Jan Egeland...