RAMADI, Iraq, May 20 (UPI) -- An estimated 25,000 people have fled Ramadi, Iraq, on Wednesday as thousands of Shiite militants amass in the suburbs to dislodge Islamic State insurgents who conquered the city.
After heavy fighting against government troops in one of the few towns the Iraqi government controls, in mostly Sunni Anbar province, IS overran Ramadi Sunday. The IS killed at least 500 people in the invasion, and Monday went door-to-door in search of government sympathizers. Refugees are leaving, with many heading for Baghdad, 78 miles away. "Nothing is more important right now than helping the people fleeing Ramadi. They are in trouble and we need to do everything possible to help them," said Lise Grande, the Iraq's United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator.