Iraqi government forces drive militants out of Talafar districts

IRBIL, Aug 23 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Government forces have continued advancing toward strongholds of Islamic militants in Talafar for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday.
The regulars have liberated Al-Tanak district in eastern Talafar, a military statement said, adding that the regulars have also burst into Al-Kifah in south of the town, Al-Kifah neighborhood in the northern sector as well Mullah Jassem neighborhood, hoisting the Iraqi flag atop conquered buildings.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Iraqi Federal Police Lieut. Gen Raed Jawdat, said in a statement that the police units made speedy advance toward western districts in Talafar, heavily bombarding strongholds of the so-called Islamic State (IS).
In the skies, aircraft dropped leaflets on the city center asking residents to mark buildings where IS gunmen are positioned.
At the humanitarian level, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement thousands of civilians are fleeing Talafar to safe places, noting that 30,000 others are stranded in the spots where the fighting is raging on.
The operation to liberate Talafar was launched on Sunday, with participation of some 40,000 troops.
IS fighters are entrenched in Talafar, a town with a predominant Turkmenistan community.
The government forces had liberated several regions and towns from the IS. (end) sbr.rk