Iraq launches new assault to recapture territory from Daesh

The Iraqi army are advancing on Daesh territory in the northwest of Mosul, Rudaw reported.

The assault from the north of Mosul will be met with forces advancing from the south of the city, fully supported by the US-led coalition.

According to Iraqi army commanders there are just 11 neighbourhoods left to be liberated in western Mosul.

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The Iraqi commander, Lieutenant General Abdul-Amir Yarallah told Iraqi TV that the operation would seek to “liberate Mosherfa, Al-Kanesa and Al-Hermat” districts.

Those areas include the Nour Mosque from where Daesh leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi proclaimed the establishment of a “caliphate” in 2014, shortly after the group captured Mosul.

Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army Osman Ghanimi has said that the operation to recapture the entire area of western Mosul will be completed within a month. According to the Iraqi army, 70 per cent of western Mosul has been recaptured from Daesh control since February 2017.