Iraqi forces have liberated 90% of eastern Mosul.

Iraqi counter-terrorism forces say they have almost completely eliminated the Islamic State (IS) group's occupation of eastern Mosul.

Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi, a senior official of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces (CTS), confirmed that the Iraqi army has liberated approximately 90% of the territory east of Mosul, which had been considered a stronghold of ISIS militants for more than two years.

Iraqi forces on duty in Mosul. Photo: AFP

This statement was issued late yesterday (January 16) amid ongoing fighting between Iraqi counter-terrorism forces and ISIS militants.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Counterterrorism Force spokesman Sabah al-Noman also announced that Iraqi forces had gained full control of the Nabi Yunus area, where earlier that day they had also liberated an important mosque, a popular pilgrimage site, from IS control.

Several other areas were also liberated during Iraq's counter-terrorism operation launched on January 16.

According to VOV