FNA -- “The security forces imposed tight measures in Qayyarah and Hamam al-Alil towns and arrested 16 ISIL members,” Captain Jasem Mohamed, BasNews reproted.

“Several others, who were hiding among displaced families at Hamam al-Alil camps, were arrested over doubts of involvement with ISIL,” he added.

Interior Ministry’s Rapid Response forces declared recapturing 30 percent of Western Mosul’s Old City.

Iraqi government forces, backed by their allied forces launched an offensive in October 2016 to recapture Mosul, the group’s largest stronghold in Iraq.

The Eastern side of the city was recaptured in January. A new offensive was launched in February to retake the western side. Battles in the West are believed to be much more difficult due to the density of residential areas and the high number of civilians.