iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Eastern Mosul has been liberated, Iraqi government officials say according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
Iraqi security forces now control all areas inside the city east of the Tigris River, the East bank of the river around all five bridges crossing the Tigris River, Mosul University and the Nineveh Ruins, the DOD said in a release Tuesday.
ISIS used safe havens like hospitals, mosques and schools as weapons storage facilities and bases for its operations. The terror group kept nearly one million residents captive in the city for more than two years. At times, using children and other citizens as shields against coalition and ISF strikes.
“There is still a long way to go before ISIL is completely eliminated from Iraq, and the fight for Western Mosul is likely to be even tougher than the Eastern side,” said Lt.
Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve. “But the ISF have proven they are both a professional and formidable fighting force and I have every confidence that ISIL’s days are numbered in Iraq.”
Since October 17, 2016, the coalition has assisted the ISF with 558 airstrikes using 10,115 munitions against ISIL targets.
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