IS surrounded as Iraqi, coalition forces advance in Tal Afar

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi forces on Tuesday entered Tal Afar without facing much resistance from Islamic State (IS) militants as the offensive to liberate the northern Iraqi city is underway.

An estimated 1,000 militants remain in the city, where the bulk of the fighting is now expected to take place.

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis visited Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Tuesday to discuss developments in the war against IS.

The US is supporting Iraqi troops in their fight against the extremist group, providing continued air support as units advance on the ground.

Iraqi forces are moving south of Tal Afar toward the Syrian border, while a Kurdish-led offensive against IS in Syria pushes eastward to the Iraqi border, effectively surrounding the extremists.

“[IS] is now caught in between converging forces,” Mattis said referring to US-backed troops in Iraq and Syria.

The Secretary of Defense was optimistic about the progress against the extremists but warned threats remained.

“[IS’] days are certainly numbered but it’s not over yet, and it’s not going to be over anytime soon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces announced two neighborhoods in Tal Afar had been freed from the militant group.

The extremists responded to the advance of security forces with artillery fire where at least 11 Iraqi troops were killed, according to Musab al-Jalili, an army rapid-response officer.

“Our forces had to beat a hasty retreat after coming under heavy enemy fire,” Jalili was quoted by the Anadolu Agency.

Since Sunday, nearly 10,000 civilians have fled the city with about 3,000 sheltered in camps outside Tal Afar.

The United Nations estimates between 10,000 and 40,000 civilians remain in the city and surrounding areas.

Editing by G.H. Renaud