Intense battle as Iraqi troops approach ISIS-held Qayara south of Mosul

Iraqi troops are reported to be inching closer to the town of Qayara east of Mosul two days after they captured an important air base.

Iraqi military officials told Rudaw that retreating ISIS militants have set oil wells on fire to hide from air strikes in the thick smoke.

Fighting is ongoing between the army and militants for control of the town. The two forces are now less than one kilometer apart, according to a Rudaw reporter.

The Iraqi army told Rudaw that ISIS snipers have taken position inside the town's main hospital to prevent ground troops from entering the town.

Rudaw correspondent on the front Farhad Dolamari said that ISIS militants' movements could be seen in the distance as they try to put up resistance against the approaching army.

Many civilians are reported to be still in the town.

The Iraqi military told a Rudaw reporter on the front that they had freed 1,900 people who had been imprisoned by ISIS inside the air base two days ago. The prisoners were former members of the army and police force.

The offensive is part of an Iraqi army operation moving towards the radical group’s Mosul stronghold.