ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Iraqi army launched a multi-pronged assault on Islamic State (ISIS) positions in the contested town of Qayara early this morning, starting with Osaja village which is considered the group’s main position in the area.
Rudaw correspondent Hevidar Ahmed at the scene confirmed that, “Once the Osaja village is liberated by the Iraqi forces, they will be able to reach Qayara bridge.”
Ahmed added that ISIS tried to halt the army’s offensive in the village by sending suicide bombers.
“Three suicide bombers targeted the Iraqi army inside the village,” he said. No casualties are yet reported.
US-led coalition warplanes have been spotted overhead.
