Iraqi forces make territorial gains against Daesh around Mosul

Iraqi government forces, backed by volunteer fighters from Popular Mobilization Units, have made new territorial gains on the outskirts of the city of Mosul as they have launched a new phase of joint operations to flush Daesh Takfiri terrorists out of their last urban stronghold in the Arab country.

Commander of Nineveh Liberation Operation Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah said on Sunday that security personnel had regained control over Kantirah and Abyadh villages south of Albu Seif village on the outskirts of Mosul, located some 400 kilometers north of the capital, Baghdad, hoisting the national flag over several buildings there.

The Iraqi military commander added that government forces had inflicted heavy losses on Daesh ranks and military equipment during the operation.

Earlier, pro-government fighters from Popular Mobilization Units, better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha’abi, had established complete control over Burnt Hills near Bakhirah village in the western suburb of Mosul. 

Iraq’s Joint Operations Command (JOC) also announced that federal police forces had retaken the villages of al-Kafour, al-Jamasah and al-Bajwari and regained control over a section of the road linking New Mosul district to Baghdad. 

Lieutenant General Yarallah said in a statement that Iraqi forces had liberated the villages of Azbah and al-Lazzakah from the grip of Daesh. Iraqi government forces have also recaptured a major power plant in Lazzakah district. 

The Iraqi Defense Ministry, in a statement released on Sunday, said scores of Daesh terrorists were killed as Iraqi F-16 fighter jets launched precision strikes against a number of militant hideouts in the western flank of Mosul. 

The ministry also published video footage that showed several Daesh positions being struck in the area. 

SS