Iraqi forces initiate second phase to liberate east of Mosul

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Services (CTS) announced the start of the second phase of Mosul operation.

Lieutenant-General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi, the CTS commander announced on Thursday the beginning of the second phase of Mosul operation that aims to retake the eastern side of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) control.

Speaking to a local Iraqi media outlet, Al-Assadi said that “The operation started at 7:00 AM (local time),” adding that “Counter-Terrorism forces are making advancement towards al-Quds neighborhood in eastern Mosul.”  

“The 9th Armored Division will advance from the north of Mosul and the 16th Infantry Division fight in the southern front,” al-Assadi added.

The spokesperson of the CTS also revealed that the IS defense lines in al-Quds neighborhood in the east of Mosul have been broken by the security forces.

Lieutenant General Abduk Amer Yaralla, the commander of the Mosul Operation command told the state television that the security forces destroyed eight IS car bombs and killed 70 extremists on the northern frontline in Mosul.

On the eastern frontline, three car bombs destroyed before reaching the security forces in al-Shaima’a and al-Siha neighborhoods.

This week, Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi Prime Minister stated “IS would be defeated in Iraq within the next three months,” stating that security forces were making advances in Mosul.

On Oct. 17, Iraqi and Peshmerga forces with the support of the US-led coalition warplanes launched the military operation to retake Mosul from the insurgent group.

Editing by Ava Homa