The Chief of Iraq’s Federal Police force announced that 90 percent of central Mosul’s Old City had been retaken by security forces, signaling the reclamation of a highly-desired area in the fight against IS.
According to a yesterday statement by Lt. General Shaker Jawdat, Iraqi forces recaptured the neighborhoods of Bab al-Bid and Bab al-Jadid. Hours later, troops retook a railway station and garage in Nineveh as well. Troops have also regained control of the city’s airport, important government facilities, and a military base.
Another operation to retake the Iron Bridge bridge in Old City near the Tigris river resulted in the death of IS military commander Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ansary. This is thought to be a considerable blow to militants clinging to a former stronghold and self-imposed caliphate.
Brigadier General Mahdi Abbas Abdullah of the Rapid Response force said that they were still moving towards the Iron Bridge. He said they were taking out snipers hiding in the surrounding buildings, and still pushing for the Iron Bridge.