Iraqi forces regain control of Shirqat

 

 

ISIL now contained in Hawija, Tel Afar and Mosul

Gains in Shirqat came over 3 days

Mosul push could come next month – officials

 

BAGHDAD: -- Iraqi forces, backed by air strikes from the US-led coalition, have gained complete control of the northern district of Shirqat.

 

Iraqi forces advanced swiftly through the area after Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the operation on Tuesday morning.

 

Analysts say it brings the military a step closer to a main push on Mosul later this year.

 

What about civilians?

 

Tens of thousands of civilians are thought to be trapped in the town, as well as nearby villages.

 

They have been under ISIL control since the group seized a third of Iraqi territory in 2014.

 

However, the operation has so far not generated the large-scale out-flux of people seen in other recent campaigns.

 

The UNHCR says there was no displacement on Tuesday and only 32 people left their homes for a nearby reception centre on Wednesday.

 

The Iraqi authorities hope the course of battle will allow residents to shelter in place to avoid creating a humanitarian crisis as forces move towards the more heavily-populated Mosul.

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-09-23

and what about ISIS did they let these barbarians escape as per usual.

surround them, give them an ultimatum, leave now and possibly live or stay and ............actually forget that, they are nothing but rapists mass murderers and paedophiles and they are breathing the same air as me .........

Let'save the back slapping until the re take Mosul.