The Road to Fallujah
VICE News explores one of the most violent regions of war-torn Iraq in The Road to Fallujah, a gripping account of the Iraqi effort to reclaim territory that has been taken over by the Islamic State.
With brutal force and relentless violence, ISIS has gained control of much of the Anbar Province over the past few years, including Mosul, Ramadi and Fallujah. With a renewed sense of dedication and American support, Iraqi fighters are equipped to reclaim cities one by one.
During a succession of gunfire and rocket attacks, VICE reporters are immersed in the Golden Division Special Forces unit as they travel to the city of Hit, this location will facilitate the entry into the central ISIS stronghold of Fallujah. Over the course of the journey, their mission is complicated by the threat of other ISIS fighters as well as the larger issue of their mission. They also attempt to eliminate anyone in the area who has worked with or assisted the Islamic State, they take information provided by residents of each village as their primary basis.
As a result of the oppression they have experienced under ISIS rule, many of the villagers view the security forces as helpers and are eager to assist them in their mission. Despite their ruthless approach to those who support ISIS, they are also shown to have a lot of respect and concern for other villagers and tribal leaders.
Maintaining the stability of these villages after ISIS fighters are removed will be another significant challenge, but so far, the special forces have met their initial goal. The movie describes the procedure by which they reclaim the city of Hit – this essentially blocks the Islamic State’s supply routes – they are also preparing for a return to Fallujah. The prelude to the invasion is a violent firefight in which the cameraman remains in a tank as bullets and bombs explode nearby.
The Road to Fallujah provides a peek into a conflict that is fraught with impenetrable cruelty and perpetual danger.
