20 ISIL terrorists were killed on Sunday on the right coast of the city of Mosul by an unmanned Iraqi warplane (CH4) used by Iraqi forces for the first time, a security source in Nineveh province reported.
The source said that this type of aircraft is bombing ISIL gatherings on the right coast of the city for the first time, adding that “the operation was proactive, accurate and was based on reliable intelligence which led to target their gathering which is important to the terrorist organization.”
Iraqi army and police forces have recaptured a strategic street and liberated three more districts in the eastern section of the city of Mosul since late Saturday and through Sunday as operations resume to clear the city from ISIL militants, an army officer said late Saturday.
Federal police forces said Sunday they became in control over the strategic No.60 Street southeast of Mosul.
“Army forces have managed to liberate the districts of al-Malayeen, al-Kindi and al-Arabi al-Thania after storming them on Friday,” Bas News quoted army major Ali Mohsen as saying. He added that the offensive on the three villages resulted in the killing of 40 IS militants, mostly foreigners.
AFP reported Sunday that Iraqi helicopter wheels overhead, firing a barrage of bullets towards terrorists below, adding that Mosul crackled with gunfire and explosions as the Rapid Response forces fight their way north alongside contingents from other units.
It added that the advance was quick but careful, with an Iraqi army Humvee mounted with an anti-tank missile launcher on hand to target car bombs and a bulldozer that erects dirt barricades to block their approach.
Humvees provide cover for those on foot, who move alongside, weapons at the ready.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said yesterday the battle for Mosul was entering a “decisive” stage, and predicted in December that the operations could realize final victory within two months.
Source: Al-Manar Website
