Iraq says 50 pct of Mosul's Old City remains under IS hand

BAGHDAD, June 27 (KUNA) -- Nearly half of the Old City in Mosul is under the so-called Islamic State's (IS) control, the Iraqi joint operations command said in a statement on Tuesday.
About 50 percent of the city has been liberated so far, it added, indicating that there are some neighborhoods still under the IS grip.
The Iraqi forces expressed their resolve and steadfastness to liberate the remaining areas, it said.
The Old City, which is the last stronghold of IS militants in Mosul, makes up one percent of its total area.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said on Monday the victory over IS in Mosul has become very soon. (end) ahh.hm