LOC09:27
06:27 GMT
WASHINGTON, Oct 25 -- Iraqi and coalition forces have seized an estimated 800 sq/kms from the so-called Islamic State (IS) group since the start of the operation to retake Mosul on October 17, Pentagon officials said on Monday.
The comments were made to reporters by the officials who were speaking on background, as they said the battle to retake Mosul has "seen good initial gains and is proceeding as planned."
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters that the towns of Bartella, 21 kms east of Mosul, and Tall-Kayf are both "in the process of being cleared."
He added that "Kurdish forces have captured Bashiqa, eight miles (13kms) northeast of Mosul, and are now clearing it."
Davis expected "heavier resistance" from the IS as Iraqi forces move deeper into Mosul.
In the meantime, the group is seeking reinforcements from the outside, but is "struggling to maintain effective command and control of their forces, largely due to coalition airstrikes," he said.
The towns that are being cleared are also unearthing "complex tunnel systems" along with a bed of mines and explosives being left behind by the group, he added.
Davis said that the tactic of diversion has been "largely expected," such as the groupآ’s three-day assault on Kirkuk, which was thwarted, after leaving at least 46 local security forces and civilians dead.
IS militants will "pop up in other places" as the operation to free Mosul from the clutches of the group continues.
Some 5,000 IS fighters are "contending" with a force of 20,000 Iraqi troops, 15,000 Kurds, 2,000 federal police and coalition airpower. (end)
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