"The Iraqi forces took full control of al-Karamah, al-Asriyah and al-Mahl villages to the West of Makhmour in the Southern part of Mosul city," the Arabic-language media quoted an unnamed informed military source as saying on Sunday.

The source noted that at least 29 ISIS terrorists were killed in clashes with the Iraqi forces in Southern Mosul, and said, "The Iraqi army's engineering unit is currently defusing the bombs planted in the area."

On Thursday, the Iraqi military sources said that the country's army has advanced towards an important air base in the Southern parts of Mosul which can be a springboard for a future offensive on the city.

"The troops are now around 45 km away from the air base at Qayara," military officials said.

Informed military sources disclosed on Wednesday that Iraq's joint military forces had made headway towards Mosul.

"The Iraqi joint forces crossed the borders of Nineveh province and are moving towards Mosul city," the Arabic-language media quoted an unnamed Iraqi popular forces commander as saying on Wednesday.

Meantime, Commander of Salahuddin Operations Major General Jomeh Anad said that the Iraqi forces have entered the entrance of al-Sharqat city in Salahuddin province after heavy clashes with the Takfiri terrorists, FNA reported.

219