Last week we asked God to direct the government forces and their allies in their battles to retake Fallujah so that families are protected, and to keep open ‘safe corridors’ for fleeing people. This week Iraqi forces have intensified their assault against IS in Fallujah, and special forces have entered a ‘second phase’ in their fight to recapture central city areas. The week-old operation had previously focussed on retaking villages and rural areas. In this second phase of combat, 50,000 people are still trapped inside the city, where US forces in 2004 fought their toughest battles since the Vietnam War. Only a few people have managed to escape through the ‘safe corridors’, which now appear to be closed. A Fallujah resident told Al-Jazeera by phone that there is lack of fuel and medicine, no rice or sugar, and only a few vegetables.