RNA - The comprehensive military campaign to liberate the Northern Iraqi city of Mosul continued on Wednesday and the Iraqi Army backed by Counter-Terrorism Units, gained more grounds in the city of Mosul, after heavy clashes with ISIL militants.
Iraqi Forces Recapture 24 Districts in Mosul after Clashes with ISIL
The Iraqi Army’s 16th Infantry Division, backed by Counter-Terrorism Units, gained more ground in the city of Mosul, after heavy clashes with ISIL militants.
The Iraqi forces were reportedly able to capture 24 neighborhoods in Mosul City after hitting ISIL’ key positions there, forcing the group to retreat towards the city center, ARA News reported.
“Subsequent to clashes with ISIL terrorists, our forces have liberated 24 neighborhoods and besieged several others,” the Iraqi Army General Command said in a statement.
It added that their forces started dismantling landmines and explosive devices in the captured areas in the war-torn city of Mosul.
“All roads and buildings in the liberated neighborhoods are being cleared by our special forces,” the Iraqi command said.
Iraqi Security Forces Surround Six Villages on Shirqat Left Coast
An Iraqi local official confirmed on Wednesday that the Iraqi security forces have imposed a blockade on six villages on the left coast of Shirqat, South of Mosul, in preparation for storming them.
“The security forces are preparing for the liberation of six villages soon after besieging them and deploying the tanks in the surroundings areas”, said the mayor of Shirqat district, Ali Dodah, Badr News reported.
He added that the air force has bombed sites and dens used by ISIL militants on the left coast that resulted in the killing of more than 15 terrorists.
Heavy Clashes in Mosul District as Iraqi Troops Advance against ISIL
Fierce clashes erupted in Mosul’s al-Salam neighborhood, as Iraqi forces make gains against ISIL terrorists deep inside the Northern city and advance closer to the Tigris River, which divides the city into Eastern and Western sides.
The Iraqi army's 9th Armored Division announced the recapture of al-Salam Hospital in Eastern Mosul on Tuesday, however, fighting continued on Wednesday in the al-Salam neighborhood, where the five-storey medical institution is situated, presstv reported.
The ISIL elements were said to have been using the hospital’s upper floors and roof as sniper positions for some time.
"We advanced in al-Salam district but the situation is difficult, there is heavy fighting," said Iraqi Brigadier General Shaker Kadhem, adding, "We took control of al-Salam Hospital, which was a command Center for ISIL."
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