BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces battling the Islamic State (IS) group in west Mosul reached the city’s southernmost bridge Monday, a key step in efforts to defeat the jihadists in their stronghold, a spokesman said.
“The Rapid Response force and the federal police have liberated Jawsaq neighbourhood and now control the western end of the fourth bridge,” Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, spokesman for the Joint Operations Command, told AFP.
“That means the bridge is under control on both sides,” said Rasool.
The “fourth bridge” is the southernmost of five bridges — all of which are damaged and unusable — across the Tigris River that divides the northern Iraqi city.
Government forces retook the east bank from IS a month ago, completing a key phase in an offensive on Mosul that began on October 17 and has involved tens of thousands of fighters.
Securing the western end of the bridge will give Iraqi forces control of the river bank on both sides and allow engineering units to extend a floating bridge to use as a supply line.
Assembling a so-called “ribbon bridge” to reconnect both banks of the city is a key target of the military push launched on the west bank of Mosul earlier this month.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
