Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 18
By Orkhan Quluzade – Trend:
Units of the Iraqi Armed Forces entered the Al-Hamdaniya District to the south-east of Mosul, Anadolu Agency’s correspondent reported from the combat area.
The battle continues between the members of "Islamic State" (ISIS) terrorist group and Iraqi forces in Al-Hamdaniya.
Al-Hamdaniya is situated 10 km to the south-east of Mosul and earlier the district was primarily inhabited by Christians. This district has been under control of the terrorists for more than two years.
The operation to regain control over Mosul began in the morning of Oct. 17. In addition to Iraq’s government forces, local Peshmerga paramilitaries participate in the operation.
The operation is supported by international anti-terrorism coalition air force.
Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq with a population of 1.3 million people, has been under the IS control for more than two years.
Mosul was surrendered almost without a fight during the extremists’ attack in June 2014.
The “Islamic State” considers Mosul as its main stronghold in Iraq.
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