Meanwhile, a United States-led coalition of several regional partners continued attacks against the IS nerve-center on Sunday, with 12 airstrikes in Iraq and one in Syria.

Strikes in Iraq's western Anbar province have stopped IS militants from advancing in recent days, Provincial Chairman Sebah Al Heblousi told VOA.

"The US lead coalition in the past two days has airstrikes on the very important and sensitive targets of the Islamic State that have stopped terrorists from further advances. We appreciate the efforts by the coalition, but we need more aid to eliminate the Islamic State from Anbar province," Hebolousi said.

More than 90,000 people have fled their homes in the area as IS militants gained ground, the United Nations said Sunday.

"Our top priority is delivering life-saving assistance to people who are fleeing: food, water and shelter are highest on the list of priorities," said Lise Grande the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq.

 Al Heblousi said some aid is arriving to parts of the province, including food and water for displaced residents, as well as police and military forces.