Iraqi Army:

60% of Western Mosul under Government Troops Control

Rasa - A spokesperson of the Iraqi Army's Counter-Terrorism Forces said sixty percent of Western Mosul has become under Iraqi government troops’ control, as troops push deeper in the region against the ISIL militants.

News ID: 428183

Date: 15 March 2017 - 23:49

RNA - Spokesperson of the Counter-Terrorism Forces, Sabah al-Nuaman, said 60 percent of Western Mosul has become under Iraqi security forces’ control, Iraqi News reported.

“Operations are underway in the Eastern axis of operations and are not affected by inclement weather,” Nuaman said.

“The Counter-Terrorism Service is preparing to advance in the Western axis,” he added.

The police service said three days ago that security troops were controlling a third of Western Mosul.

Iraqi government forces recaptured Eastern Mosul from ISIL on January 24th after three months of battles, and launched a new offensive in mid February to retake the West.

Iraqi troops have made remarkable victories in the West by recapturing major government facilities, a military base and the city’s airport. Commanders said Tuesday they became in control over 90 percent of the Old City, a much-wanted target believed decisive in putting government troops closer to final victory.

Iraqi generals and their advisors had predicted the battle to end within six months, but Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Tuesday the operations were entering their final stages.

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