Iraq mops up final IS pockets in Mosul

BAGHDAD, July 9 (KUNA) -- Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has adjourned the declaration of victory over the so-called Islamic State (IS) until mopping up the final pockets of IS resistance in Mosul.
Al-Abadi's office said in a statement that the premier met with commanders of military formations in Mosul on Sunday evening, stressing that "the forces are about to achieve victory and the remnants of IS are besieged in the latest inches." The meeting comes in recognition of his appreciation to the forces which continue liberating the areas from IS militants, the statement said.
It added that Al-Abadi paid a visit to the battlefield in Mosul, and was briefed on situations there, referring that the Iraqi forces are about to put an end to IS forever, it make clear.
The statement said that the past 24 hours witnessed the killing of a large number of IS, noting that the forces are fighting valiantly to release civilians held by IS inside up to 100 houses as human shields.
Abadi commended high morale of forces and cooperation of Mosul's citizens, it said, noting that life is back to normal in the city. (pickup previous) ahh.hm