"The Iraqi security, tribal and anti-terrorism forces, trying to put themselves within the striking distance of Mosul, are keeping their advances toward the city and liberated more places after their most recent clashes with the ISIL militants," the spokesman, Sabah al-Na’aman told reporters.
Earlier this week, the Iraqi security forces could take full control of the al-Qayyara air base in Southern Mosul after heavy clashes with the ISIL terrorists.
Nineveh province's governor-general confirmed the achievement saying that the terrorists fled towards now-liberated al-Qayyara town, leaving their weapons and equipment at the air base. Later, they eventually lost al-Qayyara town after they came under the pro-government forces' heavy attacks.
Media reports also suggest the ISIS terrorist group declared state of alert in Mosul in anticipation of the Iraqi army's advances and its imminent attack on the city, FNA reported.
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