Offensives begin to liberate two western Mosul districts
Mosul (IraqiNews.com) A military source has revealed beginning of operations to liberate two districts in western Mosul.
Speaking to Alghad Press on Monday, the source said, “security troops began offensives to liberate al-Harmat and 17 Tamuz (July 17th) in western Mosul.”
Smoke rises from clashes during a battle between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants in the city of Mosul, Iraq, March 16, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
17 Tamuz (July 17th) district in western Mosul (google maps)
“Troops tightened their control on Badush region,” the source added.
On Sunday, an army colonel was quoted as saying that Iraqi government forces are opening new front in their battles against Islamic State militants in western Mosul, targeting the recapture of four last districts including 17 Tamuz, Harmat, Mesherfa and Hawi al-Kanisa in order to accelerate the liberation of the city.
Another security source from Nineveh Province previously declared that offensives in western Mosul were to resume on Monday after being halted for five days.
While Iraqi generals previously claimed their control on 70 percent of the western side of Mosul, Defense Minister Erfan al-Hiyali estimated on Monday the remaining part of western Mosul that is still held by Islamic State at thirty-five percent.
The number of Islamic State fighters remaining in Mosul are estimated by Iraqi troops at 200 to 300, mostly foreigners, down from nearly 6,000 when the offensive started
Source:Iraq News