Iraq
US-backed
Iraqi troops have retaken Mosul’s airport from Islamic State and
stormed a military base in a bid to enter the militant-held western
part of the densely-populated city, where up 750,000 civilians are
now trapped.
"The
Rapid Response Forces and federal police are fully in control of the
airport of Mosul," state television said in a flash on its
screen on Thursday afternoon, Reuters reported.
Attacking
from the south, Iraqi forces reached the Ghazlani base near the
airport in southwestern Mosul on Thursday morning, two special forces
officers told AP, adding that there was fierce fighting going on
between the Iraqi military and Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL)
militants near the besieged facility.
Later
in the day, Iraqi police officials said the troops had captured the
airport’s runway and were attempting to enter nearby buildings. The
runway had already been destroyed by IS, but seizing the compound
would open the routes leading to western Mosul.
Iraqi
police officers taking part in the offensive told Reuters that the
militants were trying to stem the troops’ advance with
explosive-laden drones.
Iraqi
troops began a major ground offensive to recapture the western part
of Mosul earlier this week, following the liberation of the eastern
part of the city in January.
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