Iraqi forces seize most of Fallujah from ISIS

Iraqi special forces swept into Fallujah on Friday, recapturing most of the city as the Islamic State terror group’s grip crumbled after weeks of fighting.

Thousands of trapped residents took advantage of the militants’ retreat to flee, some swimming across the Euphrates River to safety.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter said it was “too early to tell” if Iraqi forces control all of the city. “There is still some fighting to be done.”

Carter said the U.S. military supported the Iraqi forces with advise and air support.

As many as 42,000 people have left Fallujah since the military operation against Fallujah began in late May, according to the United Nations. The Iraqi operation to retake Ramadi left that city largely in ruins. The city once was home to nearly half a million people, but the violence forced most of them to flee.