Iraq army says secures first safe exit route for civilians in Falluja

BAGHDAD: The Iraqi army said on Sunday it had secured the first "relatively safe" exit route for civilians trying to leave Falluja, Islamic State's besieged stronghold near Baghdad.

An exit route was secured on Saturday southwest of Falluja, known as al-Salam (Peace) Junction, Joint Operation Command spokesman Brigadier Gen. Yahya Rasool told Reuters.

"There were exit routes previously, but this is the first to be completely secure and it's relatively safe," he said.