The map, posted by the Defense Ministry’s War Media Cell, shows that only 10 percent remain under Islamic State militants’ control as the forces opened a new front of operations last week targeting the IS-held Old City from the northwestern direction. Military officials, who said earlier this month they control 70 percent of the region, have yet to confirm the map’s accuracy.
A map by the defense ministry media shows 90 percent of western Mosul regions under government troops controlAlso on Thursday, Ali al-Jaff, a lieutenant at the army’s elite Counter-Terrorism Service, was quoted by Shafaaq news website saying his forces cleared six IS snipers positions in al-Islah al-Zeraee district.
Head of the CTS special operations, Maan al-Saadi, also said in statements that he predicts al-Islah al-Zeraee district to be fully recaptured on Thursday. He said his forces invaded the district on Wednesday and took over 30 percent of it, adding that it overlooks other major districts such as 17 Tamuz, al-Arabi and al-Refaie.
A smoke rises as Iraqi forces fight Islamic State militants in western Mosul,
Iraq, April 29, 2017. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Earlier on Thursday, Federal Police chief, Shaker Jawdat, said in statements that the Interior Ministry’s Rapid Response forces, backed by Federal Police armored vehicles, made an incursion Thursday at al-Ektesadiyn district, an area to which Islamic State fled over the past few days as Iraqi forces advanced, according to field commanders.
Source:iraqinews.com