Where is Fallujah and what are its attractions?
Al-Fallujah holds greater importance and sensitivity compared to Mosul and Western Anbar, as it serves as the command center and a point of control over the location of ISIS forces in Iraq. According to a report by Al-Alam News Network, Al-Fallujah is a city in the Anbar province of Iraq, located 60 kilometers west of Baghdad along the banks of the Euphrates River. With a population of about 4,000, the city lies on the road from Baghdad to Jordan, and the majority of its residents are Sunni Muslims. Anbar, the largest province in Iraq, is situated in the western part of the country, sharing borders with three countries: Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and has long held significant geopolitical importance.
Al-Fallujah’s Strategic Significance
But why is Al-Fallujah considered strategically important enough to be prioritized for liberation in the Iraqi army’s plans? In fact, Al-Fallujah serves as a gateway for ISIS terrorists to enter Baghdad and the predominantly Shia southern provinces of Iraq. This city is located just west of Baghdad and overlooks the northern entrance to Karbala. This region was one of ISIS’s most critical areas in Iraq. Taking advantage of the favorable conditions in this area, ISIS had established a widespread presence and made it a primary base for most of its operations in Iraq.
Recent terrorist operations conducted in Baghdad played a significant role in easing pressure on ISIS units in various areas, forcing the army and security forces to allocate some of their units to respond to such operations and to ensure the security of areas such as Baghdad Airport and holy sites in Karbala, which ISIS has frequently identified as primary targets for its terrorist activities. Therefore, due to its strategic geographic location and proximity to the Iraqi capital, Al-Fallujah is of great importance to the country’s security forces. Consequently, the liberation and complete clearing of Al-Fallujah facilitate military operations for the liberation of other cities in Iraq.
The Importance of Liberating Fallujah
The liberation of Fallujah is crucial because this city was considered the most important base for extremist groups and ISIS. Furthermore, Fallujah is the only city in Iraq that was captured by ISIS without any external intervention or warfare, thanks to these extremist groups. Due to its proximity to Baghdad, most terrorist operations in Baghdad were also planned and executed from this city. Therefore, the liberation of Fallujah plays a significant role in ensuring security in Baghdad and the central and southern provinces of Iraq.
Why is the Liberation of Fallujah Important?
Fallujah is referred to as the gateway for ISIS to enter Baghdad and other Shia-majority provinces in southern Iraq. Besides being close to Baghdad, it overlooks the northern entrance to Karbala, and ISIS bases were widely established in various parts of the city. Additionally, all suicide operations in Baghdad and nearby cities were commanded from this city. Therefore, controlling Fallujah will lead to stability in Baghdad and secure other provinces such as Anbar and Salahuddin. Fallujah is the second-largest city in Anbar province, and its liberation will help Iraqi forces prepare for the operation to reclaim Mosul, ISIS’s main stronghold in Iraq.
Fallujah’s Importance to ISIS
For ISIS terrorists, holding onto Fallujah was crucial, and losing this city would signify a decisive defeat in Iraq. It would force the terrorists into a purely defensive position in their only remaining stronghold, Mosul, against the besieging Iraqi forces.
Fallujah is known as the “City of Mosques” due to its numerous mosques. It is home to large tribes and is famous for its resistance against American occupiers. According to United Nations statistics from 2004, the population of this city was 473,177, and it is now estimated to exceed 700,000. Most of the residents belong to large and well-known Iraqi tribes, the most prominent of which is the Al-Dulaim tribe with all its branches, including the Al-Bu’isa, Al-Bu ‘Alwan, Al-Muhamda, Al-Shiha, Al-Falahat, Al-Halabsa, Al-Bu Nimr, Al-Bu Fahd, and Al-Jamila tribes. Other tribes such as Al-Kabisa, Al-Izza, and Zoba are also present.
Linguistically, Fallujah means “fertile land for agriculture.” The city is bordered to the north by the district of Kazimiyah, to the east by the district of Mahmudiya, to the south by the district of Musayyib, and to the west by the province of Anbar.
As mentioned, the city is known as the City of Mosques because of the high number of mosques, which are estimated to be around 550.
