BAGHDAD — Iraqi forces halted an assault to free Fallujah from Islamic State control Wednesday for fear of causing the deaths of civilians held hostage in the city, including an estimated 20,000 children.
"It would be possible to end the battle quickly if protecting civilians wasn't among our priorities," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on state television. "Our units are just outside Fallujah — victory is within our reach."
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