Iraqi military recaptures two areas near IS-held mosque in Mosul’s Old City
A member of Iraqi forces walks as they advance their positions on the frontline at the Old City in West Mosul, Iraq June 27, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
The Defense Ministry’s War Media Cell said army forces took over Hadrat al-Sada and Ahmadiya, northwest of the Grand Nuri Mosque where Islamic State’s supreme leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed an Islamic “caliphate” in 2014.
Earlier on Wednesday, Federal Police chief, Lt. Gen. Shaker Jawdat, said his forces moved Wednesday through al-Farouq street towards Bab al-Toub, Serjkhana, Bab Jadid and Bab Lakash, all areas in the middle of the medieval district. He revealed that government troops had become in control over 70 percent of the medieval district.
He said troops were engaging in fierce battles with an estimated 300 IS fighters, backed by warplanes and drones.
Operations to recapture western Mosul launched in mid February. Government forces took over the eastern side of the city in January.
Iraqi authorities and United Nations agencies believe that at least 100.000 civilians are locked up inside the Old City in IS captivity, and are regularly shot dead or caught before execution once attempting to flee the battlefield.