The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) now controls less than a city block of territory as Iraqi security forces battle the terrorist organisation to complete liberation of Mosul, Iraq.
Pentagon Spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, in a statement, said Wednesday marked Day 136 in the Iraqi forces’ battle to retake Mosul, adding that the Iraqi forces had also liberated a hospital in West Mosul few days ago.
Since the Mosul offensive began in October, Iraqi forces have liberated 4,387 square kilometers, or nearly 1,694 square miles, Davis said.
In western Mosul’s Old City area, Iraqi forces and the Emergency Response Division – a paramilitary unit of Iraq’s Defense Ministry – are attacking ISIS from the south, while Iraq’s counterterrorism service attacks to the east and its federal police attack to the north, he added.
Davis said west of Mosul, the 15th Iraqi Army Division was maintaining its defensive positions as it moved toward a junction west of Mosul.
Meanwhile, in East Mosul, the 16th Iraqi Army Division continued security sweeps while patrolling that sector as it returns to normal life.
Coalition military forces conducted three strikes in Mosul on Tuesday, consisting of 71 engagements, Davis said.
According to him, since the operation to liberate Mosul began, the coalition has supported partner forces there with 1,556 strikes consisting of more than 10,000 engagements against ISIS targets. (NAN)