Iraqi forces push into IS-held territory in Mosul E. Tigris

IRBIL, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- The joint operations command of the Iraqi army said Sunday its forces were able to reach the east bank of the Tigris River for the first time after regaining control over the fourth bridge in Mosul city.
As part of the second stage of the fight for Mosul, the ninth mechanized unit of the army and federal police forces managed to clear the districts of Al-Salam, Palestine, Al-Domez, Sumer and Al-Wehda of the militants of the so-called Islamic State (IS).
At least 25 IS militants were killed and several vehicles belonging to the terrorist group were destroyed, commander of "We Are Coming Nineveh" operation Lt.-Gen. Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah said in a statement.
This is the first time for the Iraqi forces to reach the east bank of the Tigris, which divides Mosul into two halves, since the start of the fight for Mosul in last October, he affirmed.
In a related development the anti-terror forces, backed by the warplanes of the international coalition, kept advancing on the IS in Al-Baldat and Al-Suker districts in the city, killing 43 IS militants, Yarallah noted.
The Iraqi forces repelled an IS counterattack on Tal Afar airport and killed 23 attackers, he added. (end) sbr.gb