The Iraqi government forces, backed up by the Popular Mobilization Units, have regained control over the last main exit from Mosul city.
Iraqi troops blow up a mine on the outskirts of Mosul on February 28, 2017 (Photo: AFP)
A full control over the last main exit from Mosul city was established by the Iraqi government forces, backed up by the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), during their new joint operation, aimed to drive terrorists out from the northern Iraqi city.
On Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reported, citing an unnamed Iraqi general, that the 9th Armored Division of the Iraqi Army managed to advance towards Mosul, and it is currently stationed just one kilometer from the city’s Syria Gate, located about 400 kilometers to the north of the country’s capital of Baghdad.
“We effectively control the road, it is in our sight,” the general said.
The road extends up to the Syrian border and connects Mosul and Tal Afar city, located 63 kilometers to the west of Mosul.
Meanwhile, five combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), operated by the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, were shot down by the Iraqi Forces over Mosul, when they were going to launch attacks on Iraqi soldiers and PMU fighters.
On Tuesday, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) announced that federal police forces and rapid response teams were engaged in demining of buildings and roads in the recently-liberated neighborhoods of Tathir, Jawsaq and Tayaran. According to reports, 25 improvised explosive devices were blown up, a number of terrorists and a sniper were killed, two booby-trapped hideouts were destroyed and six explosive belts were discovered by the Iraqi forces during the operation. In addition, Iraqi soldiers managed to destroy a bomb-making workshop, two rocket launch pads and many motorcycles in the areas.
At the same time, commander of the operation on liberation of Nineveh, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, reported that the 9th Armored Division of the Iraqi Army liberated the village of Damerji, located to the northwest of Mosul. According to the general, IS terrorists suffered heavy losses, as well as four explosives-laden vehicles 30 improvised explosive devices were destroyed during the operation, at the end of which Iraqi soldiers hoisted the national flag over buildings in the area.
Meanwhile, head of the Operations Command in Nineveh province, Major General Najim al-Jabouri, said that after several hours of fierce clashes with IS terrorists, the Iraqi Forces also managed to recapture Wadi Hajar district, located in the southwestern part of Mosul.