Thu Nov 10, 2016 15:53:08
Iraqi troops advanced cautiously towards Mosul in fear of jeopardizing civilians in the populated areas, the commander of the counter-terrorism forces said.
Lieutenant-General Abdul-Ghani al-Asaadi, commander of the Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) spearheading the offensive to recapture of Mosul said protection of civilians was one of the reasons for slow advance of his troops.
"We intend to advance slowly in order not to jeopardize lives of families and civilians in neighborhoods,'' he said.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense (MOD) released a video on Wednesday (November 9) showing the Iraqi artillery firing at targets and thick smoke billowing from distance.
The offensive, which involves a 100,000-strong alliance of Iraqi troops, security forces, Kurdish Peshmerga Forces and Shia militias has so far gained a part foothold in Mosul since it began the offensive four weeks ago.
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