An Islamic State Commander Killed in Mosul

Reports indicate that Iraqi government forces killed a military commander of the Islamic State group, ISIS, in the old part of Mosul on Tuesday. According to Reuters, the battle between Iraqi forces and the group for control of a bridge over the Tigris River in western Mosul has been intense. Reuters reports that Iraqi federal police killed Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ansari, the military commander of the Islamic State group, during the clearing of the 'Bab al-Tawab' area. The report states that the killing of this Islamic State commander is another blow to the group in western Mosul. As fighting intensifies in western Mosul, civilians continue to flee the area despite the cold and rain. Meanwhile, Iraqi officials have stated that Islamic State snipers have slowed the advance of the 'Rapid Reaction Forces' towards a metal bridge over the Tigris that connects eastern and western Mosul. The report adds that if this iron bridge is captured, Iraqi forces will control three of the five bridges over the Tigris. Iraqi forces had previously managed to take two bridges in southern Mosul from the control of Islamic State forces. General Mahdi Abbas Abdullah, a commander of the Rapid Reaction Forces, told Reuters: 'We are still advancing towards the iron bridge and eliminating the Islamic State snipers who have taken positions in nearby buildings.' Iraqi forces had previously regained eastern Mosul from the Islamic State group in a 100-day battle supported by airstrikes from a U.S.-led coalition. These forces also began their operations to reclaim western Mosul about three weeks ago. An Iraqi commander stated on Sunday that 30% of western Mosul has been retaken by government forces. Previously, Reuters reported on March 7, citing an American coalition commander in Iraq, that Islamic State militants are in disarray, and their commanders and foreign members are trying to escape Mosul. Nevertheless, he stated that fierce battles are ongoing for the complete capture of Mosul. Reports indicate that the fighting over western Mosul continues while about 600,000 civilians are trapped in the area. Meanwhile, American and Iraqi officials have stated that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State group, 'has fled to the desert and is trying to save his life.'