Those civilians that remain in the besieged Iraqi city of Fallujah are running short of basic supplies.

The government lost control of the area to forces from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and allies from the Sunni community over the weekend.

Government troops now surround the city.

Recent fighting in Ramadi and Fallujah is the heaviest seen in Iraq for years.

“We don’t have gas, oil, or benzene due to the current bad security situation in Fallujah,” said one resident.

Iraqi forces have delayed an assault on the city amid fears for the civilian population.

Residents say Iraqi special forces are at work in the area and Shi’ite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called on Sunni tribesmen to help oust the militants.