Iraqi security forces have regained control of Mosul airport, a crucial step in the government's campaign to expel the Islamic State (IS) from the western half of the city.
The operation to retake the airport lasted four hours, with IS militants continuing to launch mortar attacks from within the city after losing control of the area.
According to a military spokesman, IS fighters have also entered a nearby military base, prompting further clashes. This development comes after eastern Mosul was retaken last month.
Despite the airport's runway being destroyed by IS, BBC Middle East Correspondent Quentin Sommerville notes that the location still holds strategic value. Sommerville, who is embedded with Iraqi federal police units, explains that controlling the airport will help secure southern routes to western Mosul.
Operation Details ¶
The assault on the airport began with overnight air strikes conducted by the US-led coalition, followed by the advancement of armored columns to the airport's perimeter. An Iraqi lieutenant was killed by a roadside bomb planted by IS, as reported by the BBC.
Iraqi forces faced additional challenges as they came under fire from IS militants who had taken positions within airport buildings. Foreign troops from the US-led coalition were present alongside the attacking forces, although their nationalities were not specified, according to officials speaking to AP.
Context and Concerns ¶
The airport and the al-Ghazlani base are located on the southern outskirts of Mosul, on the western side of the Tigris River. The ongoing assault to retake Mosul involves thousands of Iraqi troops, supported by artillery and air power.
Prior to the offensive, leaflets warning residents of the impending attack were dropped over western Mosul. Military officials have expressed concerns that the narrow, winding streets in this area could pose significant challenges to retaking the city.
Western Mosul, although slightly smaller than the eastern sector, is more densely populated and includes areas considered to be pro-IS. The United Nations has expressed concern over the welfare of civilians trapped in the city, with estimates suggesting that up to 650,000 people could be affected.
The recovered account cited reporting by Mediamax.
