Ramadi could fall as ISIS militants lay siege, Iraqi official warns

CNN ^ | Updated 7:37 AM ET, Wed April 15, 2015 | Hamdi Alkhshali, Arwa Damon and Jethro Mullen

[Pan_Yan]

ISIS fighters have Ramadi under pressure from several angles.

Essawi said ISIS militants made significant advances Wednesday in three areas east of Ramadi: Albu Soda, Albu Ghanem and parts of Soufia, which leads to central Ramadi.

Over the weekend, the militants seized control of areas north of Ramadi. Routes south of the city were taken some months ago.

That leaves only areas to the west of Ramadi in the hands of government forces, but those positions are under threat, Essawi warned.

The recent fighting has driven a steady stream of refugees out of the city. On Wednesday, some residents packed what they could into metal carts as they prepared to flee on foot.

People also were fleeing the areas where ISIS was advancing east of Ramadi.

A CNN team met with three families that had fled an ISIS assault in the Albu Ghanem area. Those families said Iraqi security and military forces withdrew from Albu Ghanem after a battle with ISIS, which took over the area quickly.

[Old Sarge]

Ten years ago, I was sweating in Ramadi, dodging rockets and mortars inside the FOB. We had guys dying in the chow line.

And we had to give it all back...

[Pan_Yan]

I’ve never been sure we should have gone into Iraq but I’m saddened by the calloused way we have abandoned them. I can’t imagine your feelings while watching all this unfold.

[bray]

Another Obama failure.

Pray America is waking

[Old Sarge]

There was never any doubt in our minds about why we were there - any questions were always in the minds of the Leftists and the MSM.

This was our generation’s Vietnam, complete with radical Leftists and an anti-American American people - we’re seeing the backlash of it today, with Stolen Valor and increasing ostracizing of our veterans.

Ticks me off to no end...

[miliantnutcase]

I’m sorry Sarge. :-(

[TexasFreeper2009]

Here's what I don't get... how can these rag head ISIS nutjobs lay siege to ANYTHING?

Heck ONE plane could take the whole lot of them out!

Do these idiots that run these rag head governments not have PLANES?

[Gritty]

I thought we still had some AC-130s in our inventory? Just a couple of those should solve that problem fast.

But then again, I thought we had an American Commander-in-Chief in our inventory as well... instead of a Muslim/Marxist mole whom nobody can oppose because he is 1/2 negro.

[Pan_Yan]

Remember, Saddam killed anyone with leadership skills who might be a threat then we refused to allow anyone who was in the Ba’ath party in the new government, meaning anyone with any experience. The soldiers aren’t loyal to Iraq, they’re loyal to their tribe or sect. Of course their army can’t fight.