Thousands fleeing ISIS violence in Ramadi are being let into Baghdad

BAGHDAD (AP) - An Iraqi official says the government has granted conditional entry to Baghdad for thousands of displaced people fleeing violence in nearby Anbar province.

Athal al-Fahdawi, an Anbar councilman, said Wednesday that thousands of civilians from the city of Ramadi were allowed to cross a bridge spanning the Euphrates River and enter Baghdad province.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 40,000 people have been displaced from Anbar province since Friday when the provincial capital Ramadi was conquered by the Islamic State group. In the past, people fleeing Anbar have been prevented from entering Baghdad due to fear that militants might mingle with the crowds and sneak into the capital.