Iraqi forces kill 200 IS militants, continue to progress in Mosul

IRBIL, Jan 10 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi forces continue to advance in Mosul, killing at least 200 militants of so-called Islamic State (IS), including leaders, while recapturing more neighborhoods from the terrorist group, the army announced Tuesday.
A military squad advanced toward Mosul's northern direction leading to Al-Seddiq, Sokar, and Nisan Seventh neighborhoods, liberating Sokar entirely and Nisan Seventh partially, and killing over 20 IS gunmen with the help of the international coalition warplanes, Lt.-Gen. Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah, Commander of "We Are Coming Nineveh" operation, said in a statement.
Another military squad advanced toward the southern direction leading to Al-Thobbat and Al-Maliya neighborhoods, liberating Al-Thobbat entirely and killing over 66 IS elements, Yarallah added.
He also noted that Iraqi army units, backed by International coalition warplanes, were deplored to Mosul's northern axis and were able to advance toward Al-Hadbaa and Nisan Seventh districts, liberating the two districts and killing around 25 terrorists.
Furthermore, Iraqi federal police forces, backed by the ninth armored division, were able to break through and recapture Al-Salam, Palestine, Sumer, Eastern Yarmaja, and Al-Saheroun neighborhoods from IS's control, killing around 41 IS gunmen as a result, Yarallah said.
Meanwhile, Iraqi air force unites have launched several airstrikes on Mosul's eastern coastal areas, including Tal Afar and Al-Hadar, killing 41 terrorists and destroying two car bombs, he added. (end) sbr.ma