Iraq Federal Police: 50% of west Mosul rehabilitation work finished
Members of Iraqi Federal Police carry their weapon at the frontline during a battle with Islamic State militants in western Mosul, Iraq June 5, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
Mosul (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi Federal Police forces said Monday they finished 50 percent of their works to rehabilitate war-scarred areas of western side of Mosul.
The service’s chief, Shaker Jawdat, said in a statement that “the force’s 5th division has concluded the rehabilitation of 50 percent of western Mosul, repatriating refugees from camps to their living areas, as well as reopening schools and bridges”.
Thousands of Islamic State militants and Iraqi civilians were killed since Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S-led coalition, launched an offensive to clear IS-held regions, starting with Mosul in October 2016.
The campaign for Mosul lasted for more than eight months and managed to liberate the city in July.
Iraq declared a final victory over IS last Saturday.
Mosul was the place from where IS supreme leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, proclaimed the establishment of the group’s rule in Iraq and Syria.
As the rest of areas occupied and IS, which later became a battlefield, Mosul sustained severe damage to its infrastructure and services.
In December, an official from Nineveh province said Mosul is need for US$8 billion for reconstruction.
“Mosul municipality needs US$8 billion for reconstruction of the city,” Abdul Sattar al-Habbo, chief of Mosul municipality said. “The rate of destruction reached 55 percent in the eastern side of the city, compared to 80 percent in the western flank.”