Meanwhile these deserters watch the fighting from the sidelines.
Iraqi forces inching closer to Ramadi center in major offensive
By Rudaw 5 hours ago

Erbil, Kurdistan Region- Iraqi security forces launched an offensive on Ramadi’s Humiryah sector today and according to military officials the troops are making their way towards the city center.
The troops are backed by US-led coalition air strikes.
“Our forces are advancing towards the government complex in the center of Ramadi,” Sabah al-Numani, a spokesman for Iraq’s counter-terrorism units, according to Reuters. “The fighting is in the neighbourhoods and around the complex, with support from the air force,” he continued.
The Iraqi intelligence has reported that the army is facing around 250-300 militants inside the city.
Residents were given a 48-hour deadline to evacuate the city through leaflets before the offensive kicked off, said Defense Ministry spokesman Nasir Nuri on state TV.
More here. H/T: ChanaS.