Iraqi forces liberated 9 villages on 7th day of offensive

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraqi forces liberated a further 9 villages from ISIS on Sunday, the Iraqi War Media Office has announced.

Iraqi security forces have started a clean-up and search operation in Hamdaniya district, southeast of Mosul, and are continuing searches in the villages of Ibrahim Khalil, Adala, Kani Harami and Blawat, according to a statement obtained by Rudaw. 

As a result of the operations, they have killed 36 militants and destroyed 4 car bombs.

On the Qayyara frontline, south of Mosul, Iraqi forces made advances and liberated Harara, al-Rasif, Asfyia and Twiba villages. Forces are now searching the villages, as well as al-Shwirat village, and have killed 51 terrorists, destroyed 3 car bombs, and exploded 23 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the statement detailed.

Federal police forces have also made advances towards their goals south of Mosul. They have liberated Abu Fshka al-Uliya and al-Sufla, Akhwina, Ain, al-Shk Uliya and al-Sufla, and al-Safina villages. They have cleared 160 square kilometres from ISIS, killed 88 militants, exploded 11 car bombs and 22 IEDs, captured 7 RPG launchers and 60mm mortars, 3 machine guns, and 1 explosive belt. 

The police have also arrested one militant and found two labs for building the group’s explosive booby-traps 

The Iraqi air force has destroyed 4 cars carrying militants. 

The civil affairs department of the military distributed 3,000 food baskets to families in Makuk, al-Hud, al-Lazaka, and al-Dwizat villages, the official statement added.

On the Mosul dam frontline, northwest of Mosul, the Iraqi 16 division surrounded a pharmaceutical lab and trade exchange, and have completely encircled Tel Kaif town. They have killed 124 militants, destroyed 6 mortars, 6 car bombs, one central command station, 40 defensive positions, 6 anti-aircraft cannons, and 3 heavy machine guns.

On the Aski Kalak frontline, anti-terror forces continue to search Bartella town, east of Mosul, after taking control of it on Thursday.