Thousands of Iraqis have been continuing to flee the city of Ramadi to escape the extremists from the so-called Islamic State.<br /><br /> Local officials have warned the city is about to fall after the militants captured several surrounding villages.<br /><br /> Late last week many were settling in Baghdad suburbs, awaiting tents and food.<br /><br /> ISIL forces have been closing in on the capital of Anbar province – and setting about imposing their idea of the law.<br /><br /> ‘‘They forced us to leave our homes. We are peaceful people. We were forced to leave our city,” said one woman.<br /><br /> In a setback for the militants, officials said Iraqi forces retook from ISIL most of Baiji refinery – the country’s largest – which had been attacked by the insurgents a week ago.<br /><br /> Clashes are said to have continued on Saturday, with ISIL militants fighting elite army divisions and paramilitaries.
