Iraqi forces liberate 90% of eastern Mosul

Iraqi counter-terrorism forces say they have almost eliminated the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group's hold on eastern Mosul.

Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi, a senior official of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), confirmed that the Iraqi army has liberated about 90% of the eastern territory of Mosul, which has been considered a stronghold of IS jihadists for more than two years.

Iraqi forces on duty in Mosul. Photo: AFP

The announcement was made late yesterday (January 16) amid ongoing clashes between Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces and IS elements.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces spokesman Sabah al-Noman also announced that Iraqi forces had taken full control of the Nabi Yunus area, where earlier in the day they had also liberated an important mosque, a famous pilgrimage site, from IS's grip.

Several other areas were also liberated in Iraq's anti-terrorism campaign launched on January 16.

According to VOV