BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces led by federal police units retook two villages south of Mosul as part of a fresh push on the city´s west bank Sunday, a top commander said.
Army Staff Lieutenant General Abdulamir Yarallah said in a statement that forces advancing toward Mosul airport retook Athbah and Al-Lazzagah, reviving a four-month-old offensive that was paused following the reconquest last month of the city´s east bank.
The southern front in the Mosul offensive had remained largely stagnant for weeks as the forces deployed there waited for the completion of operations on the city´s east bank.
The two villages and neighbouring areas that federal police and the interior ministry´s elite Rapid Response forces retook on Sunday are the last before Mosul airport.
The airport and a nearby military base mark the southern approach to Mosul, on the east bank of the Tigris River that divides the city.
Elite fighting units are expected to attempt a foray into the city´s western side in the coming days.
Trump hinted at a 16 week ban with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or health of mother
Nearly a quarter of the votes have been counted with Putin leading the race with 87.9%
The volcanic eruption began between Stora Skogfell and Hagafell in the Reykjanes Peninsula
After hiding money in random places throughout the city, the account posts a video with clues on Instagram
In response to Trump's comments, Biden's campaign calls him a "loser"
Donald Trump's endorsement carries significant weight in Ohio which traditionally leans towards his political ideologies