Iraqi forces liberate key town on Mosul southern front

Iraqi forces liberated a key town from ISIL terrorists on Monday, a crucial objective on the southern front of the offensive to wrest back the city of Mosul.

According to AFP, federal police, army and elite interior ministry forces established full control over Hamam al-Alil, the last town of note on the way to Mosul from the south.

It lies on the west bank of the Tigris river, about 15 km southeast of Mosul.

Iraqi forces have already entered Mosul from the east and were moving close to the city limits from the north on Monday but have some distance to cover on the southern front.

Life quickly resumed in Hamam al-Alil, with some residents re-opening shops and other bathing in the town's sulphur springs.

The liberation of the town clears the way for Iraqi forces to push further north and move to within striking distance of the southern neighbourhoods of Mosul.

The next phase is "to clear the other villages around the town and then move forward towards Mosul to liberate it, God willing," Colonel Amjad Mohammed said.

SS