Suicide attack kills soldier, injures others in western Mosul

Mosul (IraqiNews.com) A soldier was killed, five others were wounded on Tuesday in a suicide attack carried out by Islamic State militant in western Mosul, Anadolu Agency reported.

“A suicide bomber blew up a booby-trapped vehicle while between army personnel, who were advancing through al-Shifa district in western Mosul, killing a soldier and injuring five others,” Cap. Tahsin Taha said.

Fierce battles, according to Taha, have been taking place since the morning in the district, which is the last one held by IS, in addition to parts of the Old City.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iraqi troops reported progress and announced recapturing of al-Zanjili district, located north of the Old City.

IS enclave has shrunk to two districts along the western banks of the Tigris river -the Old City center and the Medical City.

In January, the eastern side of Mosul was retaken after three months of battles. Another offensive was launched in February to retake the western side of the city.

Violence in the country has surged further with the emergence of Islamic State Sunni extremist militants who proclaimed an “Islamic Caliphate” in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

According to a monthly count released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq, violence and armed conflicts left 824 Iraqis dead and wounded during the month of May.