Iraqi forces liberate more than 50 percent of Mosul airport

BAGHDAD, Feb 23 (KUNA) -- At least 50 percent of Mosul airport and several parts of Ghazlani camp have been liberated during the battles that erupted earlier Thursday in the western side of Mosul, said military media department of the joint operations command (IOC) in Iraq.
Federal police forces have managed today to liberate more than 50 percent of Mosul airport and cleanse its buildings and some other parts, military media of IOC added in a statement.
The forces destroyed five booby-trapped cars and a motorbike as well as seized some weapons and found tunnels belonging to the so-called Islamic State militants, it noted.
They also defused several explosive devices and killed many "terrorists", it made clear.
Meanwhile, the forces liberated about 85 percent of Ghazlani camp, retook weapon and ammunition depots, and destroyed five booby-trapped cars, two motorbikes and more than 65 explosive devices.
The airport and camp are two strategic targets of southern areas of Mosul's western coast.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said earlier today that the forces are moving quicker than planned. (end) ahh.hm