Iraqi forces fully recapture district adjacent to Mosul’s Old City
Iraqi rapid response members prepare to cross the route to avoid being hit by Islamic State snipers in western Mosul, Iraq March 9, 2017. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
The Joint Operations Command said in a statement that the army’s elite Counter-Terrorism Forces fully retook Mosul al-Jadida (New Mosul), a district adjacent to the Old City. The latter is a densely-populated neighborhood and an outstanding target of operations against Islamic State militants in western Mosul.
Government forces swept through Mosul al-Jadida’s neighborhoods since Saturday, engaging in ferocious fights with IS militants. Iraqi generals were quoted earlier on Monday saying three soldiers were killed in IS attacks, while troops killed at least 20 militants.
Iraqi generals have labeled Old Mosul as decisive in realizing victory against IS in western Mosul.
Iraqi government forces recaptured eastern Mosul from Islamic State on january 24th after three months of battles, and recently said they became in control of 30 percent of western Mosul since another offensive launched in February.
Iraqi troops have made remarkable victories in the west by recapturing major government facilities, a military base and the city’s airport. Though admitting tough resistance from IS, Iraqi and U.S.-led coalition generals have said the group’s defenses were waning, and stressed its fighters had no option but fight to death.