Islamic State close to defeat in Iraq's Tel Afar

MENA

Published: 2017-08-28 09:32

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 12:29


Smoke is seen as members of the Iraqi Army clash with Islamic State fighters at a frontline in north west of Mosul, Iraq, May 5, 2017. (Reuters: Danis
Smoke is seen as members of the Iraqi Army clash with Islamic State fighters at a frontline in north west of Mosul, Iraq, May 5, 2017. (Reuters: Danis

Over 200 so-called Islamic State militants were killed in Tal Afar, which was handled by the army’s Counter-Terrorism Service, the Joint Operations Command announced.

This comes as Iraqi forces are on the verge of retaking almost all of the Islamic State stronghold, which lies north-west of the country, according to Iraqi military.

In a statement on Sunday, the JOC said 217 militants and eight snipers were wounded. Twenty-one booby-trapped vehicle were destroyed, while three others were defused.

Additionally, 105 explosives and fifteen booby-trapped houses were defused. Six tunnels were filled. Several weapons, telecommunications devices and vehicles were seized.

On Saturday Iraqi counter-terrorism units said they had taken control of the centre of Tal Afar, including its historic Ottoman citadel. “They raised the Iraqi flag on the citadel,” said General Abdulamir Yarallah, commander of military operations in the battle.

Iraqi forces are now waiting to retake the city’s surrounding areas to declare a complete victory.

Government troops and units of the Hashed al-Shaabi, backed by a US-led coalition, launched the assault last Sunday after weeks of coalition and Iraqi airstrikes.

The US-backed operation follows the retake of Mosul from the Islamic State, ending the group's three-year rule over Iraq’s second city.