End of Mosul Battle Matter of Days: Official
The operation to recapture Iraq’s Mosul from Islamic State (IS) militants may soon reach its end.
The operation may be complete in a matter of days, Iraqi Army Lieutenant General Othman al-Ghanimi told the BBC.
“The [Iraqi] security forces are carrying out a big and effective effort. I say that Daesh will be finished in days, God willing,” Ghanimi said, using the Arabic acronym for the IS.
Due to difficulties the Iraqi forces and the US-led coalition have been facing in advancing into the Old City neighborhood from the south and the west, a new front was opened in the north. The Iraqi forces in the north have also been facing intense resistance from IS militants. However, recently some gains were made, said Ghanimi. Remaining IS militants in the west are being cornered.
“I say that the rest of Mosul will be liberated before the holy month of Ramadan,” Ghanimi said. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins on May 26.
The operation to recapture Mosul began on October 17, 2016. Eastern part of the city was declared liberated in January, with the operation proceeding to the western half in January.