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'Human catastrophe' unfolding in Fallujah, aid agency warns

A "human catastrophe" is unfolding in Fallujah as Iraqi forces continue their fight against IS, aid agencies have warned.

It is estimated that 50,000 civilians are still inside the Iraqi city and humanitarian groups have renewed calls on both sides to open up safe corridors for non-combatants to flee.

The UN have reported people starving to death in the city and being killed for refusing to fight for terror groups.

There are also reports IS were using hundreds of families as human shields during the assault.

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Iraq army storm the southern edge of Falluja

The Iraqi army has launch a massive assault on the city of Falluja Credit: AP / Khalid Mohammed

The Iraqi army has stormed the southern edge of Falluja under US air support, and captured a police station inside the city limits.

An elite military unit, the Rapid Response Team, is leading what is shaping up to be the biggest assault ever fought against the so-called Islamic State.

Explosions and gun fire was reportedly seen in Naimiya, a district of Falluja on its southern outskirts.

A convoy of armed vehicles is seen driving into Falluja Credit: AP

Separately, Kurdish security forces announced advances against IS in northern Iraq, capturing villages from militants outside Mosul, the biggest city under militant control.

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