Iraqi forces were making gains as tens of thousands of fighters advanced on Mosul Tuesday in an unprecedented offensive to retake the city from the Islamic State group. With the crucial battle in its second day, Iraqi commanders said progress was being made as fighters pushed on two main fronts against the jihadists' last stronghold in Iraq.
The US military, which is leading a coalition providing air and ground support, said Iraqi forces even looked "ahead of schedule" but senior Western officials warned the battle would be long and difficult. Advancing in armoured convoys across the dusty plains surrounding Mosul, forces moved into villages defended by pockets of IS fighters after intensive aerial bombardment.
At the main staging base for government troops in Qayyarah south of Mosul, federal police were rotating in and out of the front line. As Apache attack helicopters flew overhead, ambulances brought the wounded back from the battle. Two armoured vehicles bearing US flags drove by, apparently carrying American military personnel. One manning a gun turret flashed the victory sign. Speaking to AFP from inside Mosul, resident Abu Saif said heavy smoke was hanging over the city as the jihadists burned tyres to shield themselves from air strikes.
Comments
Comments are closed.