Falluja children face extreme violence

At least 20,000 children remain inside besieged Falluja, Islamic State's stronghold near Baghdad, facing the risk of forced recruitment in the fighting and separation from their families, the United Nations' children's agency said on Wednesday.

"We are concerned over the protection of children in the face of extreme violence," UNICEF Representative in Iraq Peter Hawkins said in a statement.

Backed by Shi'ite militias and air strikes from the U.S.-led coalition, the Iraqi armed forces launched on May 23 an offensive to recapture Falluja, 50 kms (32 miles) west of Baghdad.

The assault on Falluja has begun what is expected to be one of the biggest battles ever fought against Islamic State.

Falluja was the first Iraqi city that fell under control of the ultra-hardline Sunni militants, in January 2014.

About 50,000 civilians remain in the city, according to the United Nations.

Iraqi security forces operating in Falluja separate systematically men and boys over 12 from the families to probe possible links with Islamic State.

"UNICEF calls on all parties to protect children inside Falluja, provide safe passage to those wishing to leave the city and grant safe and secure environment to civilians who fled Falluja," Hawkins said.