As Battle Against ISIS for Fallujah Rages, UN Warns 20,000 Children Trapped Inside

— -- As Iraqi troops battle ISIS fighters for Fallujah, the United Nations children’s fund, UNICEF, said today that at least 20,000 children are trapped in the besieged city.

Last week, Iraqi forces backed by Shia militias began advancing toward the city that has been under ISIS control since 2014.

Iraqi troops said today they repelled a counter-attack by ISIS militants, but they have not succeeded in penetrating the gates to the city yet.

As the battle rages on, the children inside of Fallujah continue to suffer, according to the U.N. agency.

UNICEF said that “very few families have been able to leave” the city since the military operation began.

“According to reports, food and medicine are running out and clean water is in short supply,” UNICEF warned.

Additionally, children face the risk of forced recruitment by ISIS. “Children who are recruited see their lives and futures jeopardized as they are forced to carry and use arms, fighting in an adult war,” UNICEF said.

The group called for all parties to protect children by providing safe passage to those wishing to leave the city.

Fallujah is the last remaining ISIS-stronghold in Anbar province and the ISIS position closet to Baghdad, just 40 miles to the east.

Two Iraqi army brigades have encircled the city for months in anticipation of a planned offensive.

The U.S.-led coalition against ISIS has supported the ground operation with airstrikes -- 21 in Fallujah since May 17, according to Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis.