Iraqi army captures parts of Qayyara from ISIS

In ongoing operations for Qayara town ISIS militants are being bombed on the ground and form the air.

 

The Iraqi army says it has captured a half of the town and a number of oil fields.

 

“This is the Qayyara electricity department which was liberated a few days ago. And that is the refinery, also liberated. The Qayyara Cupric Factory has also been liberated.  What is left is Hamam Ali-Qayyara road. Once we have liberated it, we could head to Mosul,” an Iraqi army official, told Rudaw

 

As usual, ISIS set crude oil on fire, raising columns of smoke into the air to avoid airstrikes. 

Yet, the warplanes did not miss the militants.

 

“Coalition warplanes are playing a vital role. For example, ISIS was strongly resisting us from their tunnels yesterday, but ten minutes ago the warplanes struck them, paving the way for us to advance now,” said another official. 

  

Despite numerous attempts to escape ISIS, there are still many trapped inside the town. 

 

Army officials say ISIS use civilians as human shields. Therefore the operation is slow.