IS conflict: Iraqi forces 'retake Falluja city hall'

Iraqi forces advanced into central Falluja after capturing several southern and eastern areas

Iraqi government forces say they have retaken the main government compound in the city of Falluja from Islamic State (IS) militants.

A statement said the Iraqi flag was raised above the city council building after its capture by Counter Terrorism Force troops, police and soldiers. They earlier reportedly recaptured several areas to the south and east.

Falluja, only 50km (30 miles) west of Baghdad, has been held by IS for longer than any other city in Iraq or Syria. They captured it in January 2014.

Military commanders said they had faced little resistance from IS

The US defence secretary, Ash Carter, said there was "still some fighting to be done" as IS still controls a significant part of the city.

But Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, said only small numbers of militants remained. Speaking on state TV, he said: "We promised you the liberation of Fallujah and we retook it. Our security forces control the city except for small pockets that need to be cleared within the coming hours."