Victory in Mosul 'about to be announced', Iraq state TV claims
The battle to retake Mosul has damaged thousands of buildings in the Old City.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Iraqi security forces claim they are poised to take full control of Mosul imminently as Islamic State controls just a few metres of the area, battling to retain the last few streets in a last stand.
"We are seeing now the last meters (of the battle) and then victory will be announced," said a TV speaker, "It's a matter of hours," she said, citing the channel's correspondents embedded with security forces in the Old City of Mosul, by the Tigris river.
According to a Reuters report, a military spokesman said the defence lines of Isis were crumbling. Isis fighters are putting up a fierce resistances with suicide bombers, snipers and grenades, hampering the progress of Iraqi troops. Smoke billowed above Mosul, which was battered by air strikes and artillery fire.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is expected to visit the Iraqi city to formally declare victory, with plans for a week of nationwide celebrations.
Mosul is the largest city seized by Isis and is where the Islamic extremists declared their caliphate.
A post-battle plan to rebuild the city has not yet been formulated. "Prime Minister (Haider) al-Abadi kept dragging his heels. Every time we raised this issue with him, he said, 'Let's wait until military operations are over'," said Hoshyar Zebari, a former finance and foreign minister.
"A whole city is being decimated. Look how much the government is contributing, as if they don't care."
The battle to retake Mosul has damaged thousands of buildings in the Old City and destroyed nearly 500 buildings, according to satellite imagery released by the United Nations.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments