Iraqi troops clear IS mines in recaptured areas of Fallujah

Iraqi security forces celebrate as they pose with a flag of the Islamic State group they captured in central Fallujah, Iraq, after fight against the Islamic State militants Friday, June 17, 2016. Iraqi special forces entered the center of Fallujah city early Friday, taking over a government complex and a neighborhood that served as a base for the Islamic State group militants after intense fighting. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

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Iraqi security forces advance their positions during the fight against Islamic State militants in Fallujah, Iraq, Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Fallujah has been locked in a cycle of conflict since 2003, when it emerged as a bastion of the insurgency against the U.S. Militant attacks and bombings were followed by sweeping arrest raids, which further stoked local grievances. In 2004, U.S. troops launched two massive assaults on the city, where they fought their bloodiest battles since Vietnam. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil) (The Associated Press)

An Iraqi soldier patrols in central Fallujah after fight against the Islamic State militants, Iraq, Friday, June 17, 2016. Iraqi special forces entered the center of Fallujah city early Friday, taking over a government complex and a neighborhood that served as a base for the Islamic State group militants after intense fighting. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

An Iraqi military official says government forces are clearing mines and explosives left behind by members of the Islamic State group in areas recently retaken from the extremists in the city of Fallujah.

Brig. Haider al-Obeidi told The Associated Press on Saturday that operations are still ongoing in Fallujah, with the air force hitting targets in the city including IS snipers positioned near the main hospital.

Al-Obedi's comments came a day after Iraqi special forces swept into Fallujah, recapturing most of the city as IS's two-year-old grip crumbled after weeks of fighting.

He said troops are advancing toward the hospital cautiously, concerned that militants stationed there may use patients as human shields.

The Fallujah offensive began in late May, and IS's defenses in much of the city collapsed abruptly.

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