Iraqi troops declare full liberation of Mesherfa region, western Mosul
Iraqi soldiers gather to go battle against Islamic State militants south of Mosul , Iraq, June 15, 2016. REUTERS/Stringer
“The 9th armored division freed Mesherfa al-Oula district, completing the liberation of the full region of Mesherfa after inflicting huge losses on the enemy in lives and equipments,” the command said in statements.
“The Iraqi flag has been raised above the building in the district,” the command added.
Earlier on Saturday, the Iraqi troops declared gaining full control on Hawi al-Kanisah region and taken over 50 percent of 17 Tamuz (July 17th) region in western Mosul.
On Thursday, the Iraqi armed forces announced recapturing Mesherfa al-Thaniya district on Friday and Mesherfa al-Thalitha on Thursday.
A new front for ground offensives was opened last week targeting IS’s strategic stronghold at the Old City region from the north, having found it difficult to invade the area from the south for weeks.
Eastern Mosul was recaptured in January after three months of battles against IS. A major offensive was launched in February to retake the western flank of the city.