Iraqi forces discover large underground IS prison in western Mosul

MOSUL, Iraq (Kurdistan24) – A large underground prison holding dozens of detainees from Anbar Province was discovered by Iraqi troops in western Mosul, according to a local source.

As Iraqi forces continued their advance against the Islamic State (IS), the soldiers uncovered an underground prison where several dozen people were detained, local Iraqi media reported.

On the condition of anonymity, a local source stated troops discovered the area while advancing on western Mosul neighborhoods.

“While liberating western Mosul districts, Iraqi forces found an enormous underground prison where dozens of detainees were being held,” the source told Al-Sumaria News.

“The detainees were released,” the source added. “They were secured by Iraqi troops ahead of being treated.”

According to Al-Sumaria, the prisoners were from Fallujah, Ramadi, Saqlawiyah, and Karma cities.

“[The prisoners] were then transferred to another location to check their identities,” the local source informed.

The United Nations estimates the number of civilians trapped inside Mosul’s Old City is nearly 200,000, suffering from a lack of food and medicine.

Since the start of the operation to retake Mosul in October 2016, over 750,000 people have been displaced.

The UN believes that figure could rise considerably as the final stages of the Mosul offensive approach.

Only 150,000 people have reportedly returned to their homes since being displaced due to the ongoing battle against IS.

The eastern part of Mosul was liberated in January after nearly three months of clashes, and the offensive to free the western side began in February.

Iraqi commanders have highlighted that their troops have regained over 90 percent of territories in the west.

Editing by G. H. Renaud