Iraqi army advances to control last IS-held town, southern Mosul

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi security forces on Saturday launched an operation to retake the Islamic State (IS)-held town of Hamam al-Aleel and surrounding villages about 15 kilometers south of Mosul.

Commander of the Mosul operations Major-General Najm al-Jabouri told Reuters the assault began around 10:00 a.m. (local time).

Some IS extremists had already tried to escape across the Tigris river, but others put up heavy resistance and the Iraqi army repelled three suicide car bombings, according to the Commander.

The Iraqi State television, reporting from an Iraqi army commander on the ground, said the Iraqi forces and police liberated villages of Zaftiya, Taqtaq, Sananeek, Tiba and New Tiba, and the College of Agriculture building.

Iraqi security forces announced the liberation of six neighborhoods from the IS in eastern Mosul, the Nineveh Operation Command said on Friday.

However, they were forced to retreat on Saturday amid fierce resistance from IS extremists inside the city.

Elsewhere, on Friday Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani stated that last week some 1,600 people were taken by IS extremists from Hamam al-Alil to Tal Afar city, northwest of Mosul.

Shamdasani added these civilians might be transferred to Syria, expressing his concerns that “IS intends to use these families to shield themselves from air strikes.”

The Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces launched the Mosul operation on Oct. 17 from the east and northeast of the city, liberating dozens of cities, towns, and villages so far.

Moreover, Iraqi security forces continue their advance inside the Mosul city limits and areas surrounding the region.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany