Nine IS militants killed in Iraq's Mosul - Commander

IRBIL, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- At least nine militants of so-called Islamic State (IS) were killed by Mosul's military personnel and citizens, commander of Nineveh Liberation Operation Lieutenant General Abdulamir Yarallah announced on Sunday.
"Our intelligence sources confirmed that Abu Ayoub Ali, who gave a fatwa to bombard the liberated areas in northern Mosul, was killed by Mosul's citizens, Yarallah said in a statement.
IS militants tried to attack some military units by two booby-trapped bikes, but these units managed to kill eight militants, he added.
These developments coincide with military reinforcements sent by Iraqi army to support forces in Mosul.
Meanwhile, Najm Al-Jabouri, commander of Nineveh military operations, stressed in press statements that Iraq's forces are ready for any new military instructions.
He said the forces would announce soon the full restoration of the left coast of Mosul.
He revealed that military reinforcements arrived in eastern neighborhoods to take part in liberating the left coast.
Iraq and Peshmerga's forces, supported by the US-led international coalition, has launched the military campaign to retake Mosul on October 17. (end) sbr.hm