The Iraqi army and Counter-Terrorism Service have so far liberated 45 eastern Mosul neighbourhoods from the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) since the launch of the operations on October 17th, a senior military Iraqi commander said Friday (January 6th).
"Forty-five residential neighbourhoods on the left bank of Mosul have been liberated, and there is not much left before our forces reach the Tigris River," said CTS head Lt. Gen. Talib Shaghati.
"Your brothers in the armed forces continue to pound ISIL strongholds and gatherings with the support of international coalition," he said in a statement.
"Right now, operations are underway in neighbourhoods deemed to be ISIL fortified areas, and we will announce their liberation soon," Shaghati said.
"Our main concern during these operations is to free citizens and preserve Mosul's infrastructure," he added.
