Iraqi forces retake Christian town in Mosul

IRBIL, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- Iraqi forces have continued advances in the battle to liberate the northern city of Mosul from the so-called Islamic State group.
In the sixth day of the battle, the Iraqi army announced forces on Saturday wrestled control over Qaraqosh, a Christian town about 20km southeast Mosul.
Forces are now carrying out mop-up operations across the town, the army said in a press statement.
Earlier this week, Iraqi special units also captured Bartella, a Christian village north of Qaraqosh.
The Iraqi army and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are making remarkable advances on the different fronts of the battle.
In the meantime, hundreds of people have been treated for breathing problems linked to toxic gases from a sulphur plant which Islamic State militants are suspected to have set on fire near the city of Mosul. (end) sbr.ibi