Gov't forces hammer "Daesh" pockets for showdown -- spokesman

IRBIL, May 22 (KUNA) -- Iraqi government gunners are currently pounding militants' strongholds in western sector of the embattled city of Mosul as a prelude to a showdown with the fighters, entrenched among shell-pocked buildings and on snaking alleys.
Major General Shaker Jawdat, Chief of the Iraqi Federal Police, said in a statement that the troops are firing intensive artillery volleys and recurring salvos of rockets into command, logistical centers, positions, military Hardware of the so-called Islamic State (Daesh) in the western part of Mosul.
The heavy bombardment will be followed with "the last phase of the offensive on the militants to capture this part of the city," he said, indicating that the regulars planned a showdown with the diehard warriors.
The regular forces have already made significant advances toward IS-controlled pockets, including Al-Nouri Mosque, he indicated.
The government has affirmed resolve to recapture the IS strongholds particularly the mosque for it is the "birthplace" for the so-called Islamic State. The founder of the notorious group, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, had declared his so-called state at the mosque.
The government troops liberated on Sunday "17 Tammouz" area west of the city.
The operation to free all lands under the IA control was launched on October 17. The battle for the western part of Mosul began on February 19. It left sector was liberated in January. (end) sbr.rk