IRBIL, March 10 (KUNA) -- Iraqi forces have been advancing in the right side of Mosul city, and regained some neighborhoods from the so-called Islamic State (IS), the forces announced on Friday.
Federal police and rapid response forces managed to liberate Akidat and Nabi Sheet neighborhoods, and cleanse many buildings and roads in some areas of the city, joint operations command media reported, citing Abdulameer Yarallah, the commander of the liberation operation for Mosul, today.
He said counter-terrorism forces have moved forward in several directions, and liberated some districts and towns.
The forces killed several terrorists, and ruined some key positions, weapons depots and some vehicles belonging to IS, he noted.
Meanwhile, federal police forces head Jawdat Shaker said the forces killed 25 terrorists and destroyed four booby-trapped cars and five motorcycles.
Iraqi Defense Minister Irfan Al-Hayali said today that the Islamic State is no longer able to control cities and towns after facing heavy losses during the ongoing battles in Mosul, north of Iraq.
In remarks to reporters during a visit to the forces' frontlines in the northern side of Mosul's right coast, he said the forces gained ground and retook positions in Mosul.
The forces, supported by international coalition, has begun military operations on February 19 to regain the right side of Mosul from IS.
They managed to retake some areas in Mosul's western side, mainly the airport, Ghazlani camp, the government complex as well as several neighborhoods and towns. (end) sbr.hm