Iraqi troops launch operations to free al-Hadar region, southern Mosul
Forces from al-Hashd al-Shaabi militia.
In statements on Tuesday, the troops media service declared liberating Hilala hill, north of Hadar, as well as Ain Sadid and al-Olwani villages in the south. Booby trapped vehicles were exploded at al-Salal village, near al-Hajaniya village, in the south, and near Heweidar village, at the outskirts of the region. A store of weapons was found in the north.
Iraqi troops, supported by PMUs, have launched military operations to drive IS fighters out of Hadar, located south of Mosul, DPA quoted the Iraqi official TV on Tuesday.
Number of remaining IS militants in Mosul was previously estimated by the U.S.-led coalition at less than 1000.
In February, Iraqi troops, backed by the international coalition and paramilitary troops, started an offensive to retake western Mosul from IS. Eastern Mosul was recaptured in January after three months of battles.
The group has sustained severe losses in personnel and ground since an offensive was launched in mid October to retake Mosul, the second-largest Iraqi city and the militants’ last urban stronghold in the country.