Iraqi forces make fresh gains against Daesh in W. Mosul

By Mohamed Walid and Sarhad Shaker

NINEVEH, Iraq

Iraqi forces have recaptured Mosul’s western Al-Thawra neighborhood from the Daesh terrorist group, a military source told Anadolu Agency on Thursday.

"Army-affiliated anti-terrorism forces hoisted the Iraqi national flag over buildings in the district after inflicting the enemy with severe human and material losses," army Lieutenant-General Abdul Amir Yaarallah said.

Air Force Lieutenant-Colonel Ziad Tariq al-Babali, for his part, told Anadolu Agency that U.S.-led coalition warplanes had carried out airstrikes in western Mosul’s Al-Rifai district, killing at least 17 Daesh terrorists and injuring nine others.

The air attack, al-Babali said, was based on intelligence that allowed the coalition “to strike the intended target while minimizing civilian casualties".

In February, Iraqi ground forces -- backed by U.S.-led coalition air power -- began fresh operations to expel Daesh militants from western Mosul, the terrorist group’s last stronghold in northern Iraq.

The ongoing offensive is part of a wider campaign launched last October with the aim of retaking the entire city, which Daesh overran in mid-2014.