Iraq: Iraqi forces advance in Mosul

Event

The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) continue to advance in western Mosul and have announced considerable gains against Islamic State (IS) militants on Tuesday, May 16. According to an army spokesperson, General Yahya Rasool, IS only controls 12 square km (4.6 square mi) of territory in Mosul and is encircled by the ISF.

As of Thursday, May 18, 35 villages have been liberated from IS control and more than 300 civilians were safely evacuated from IS-controlled area. The Federal police have secured numerous districts, including the Al-Rifai district.

Context

The offensive to retake western Mosul started on February 19 after Iraqi Forces secured East Mosul in an operation that started in October 2016.

Mosul is a symbolic and strategically important stronghold for IS in Iraq. Iraqi armed forces alongside the Kurdish Peshmerga have made important territorial gains in and around Mosul; Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) forces entered the easternmost districts of the city on November 1 and Iraqi forces liberated East Mosul on January 18, 2017. Iraqi forces are supported by an international coalition that carries out regular airstrikes against IS.

The United Nations (UN) has warned that the Mosul operation could result in more than 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region. The higher than expected remaining civilian presence in the city has partly contributed to the slowdown of the operation.

Advice

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.