For dozens of families in the Iraqi town of Qara Tappa, just over an hour's drive north of the capitol Baghdad, it's finally time to say goodbye.

Islamic State militants reportedly launched a wide scale attack on the town Monday and are advancing closer in.

Residents are alarmed by what lies ahead.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT FLEEING FROM QARA TAPPA, SAYING:

"Everyone took their family and children and fled. What can we do? There was no resistance inside the town. There is no resistance, and there is no army and no police."

They've taken everything they can carry and head for the relative safety of Baghdad.

Local officials say at least 15 people were killed in the attack including eight civilians.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED HEAD OF MEDICAL CENTRE OF QARA TAPPA , SAYING:

"The shelling was followed by gunfire and artillery shelling of residential areas. With time, people were very frightened and decided not to stay, ca