The spokesperson for the Iraqi Armed Forces stated that a safe route has been opened for the exit of remaining militants in several neighborhoods controlled by ISIS in Mosul, and that 'victory in western Mosul will soon be officially announced.' The battle to retake Mosul, the most important city in Iraq under the control of the so-called Islamic State, began in October of last year and is now continuing in limited areas in the western part of the city, with the support of the U.S.-led coalition, involving military forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and pro-government militias. Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the Iraqi Joint Forces, mentioned on July 1 that dozens of remaining ISIS members have been killed in recent battles in western Mosul. He told Iraq's state television that 'the Iraqi Armed Forces are advancing in the old city [of Mosul]' and that ISIS 'only controls a few residential neighborhoods.' He added that 'victory in the west [of Mosul] will be officially announced soon.' According to this spokesperson, safe routes have been opened for the exit of thousands of remaining civilians in these neighborhoods. The not-so-large neighborhoods still under ISIS control are home to a significant number of Mosul's civilians. Witnesses have reported to news media over the past two days that hundreds of civilians are fleeing the city; the United Nations has also stated that the lives of civilians are 'at greater risk' due to the intensification of the final battles. Haider al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, stated three days ago that Iraqi forces continue to pursue ISIS militants 'to kill or capture them, down to the last one.' The Iraqi army has suggested that the besieged ISIS members will continue to fight 'to the last man.' Mohammed al-Tamimi, an Iraqi commander, said last week that they 'will not surrender' and that 'if they are not killed, their last option is to blow themselves up.' In addition to Mosul, the battle for the Kurdish-led Syrian militants to retake Raqqa is also ongoing, supported by the U.S.-led coalition. According to analysts cited by AFP, ISIS has currently lost 60% of its territory and 80% of its revenue.
Iraqi Armed Forces: Victory in Mosul Will Be Officially Announced Soon
The Iraqi Armed Forces are on the verge of officially declaring victory in Mosul, where they have opened safe routes for civilians to escape remaining ISIS-controlled areas. The battle, supported by a U.S.-led coalition, has seen significant losses for ISIS, which is now reportedly down to controlling only a few neighborhoods. This situation is critical as it impacts regional stability and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iraqi Armed Forces are nearing an official declaration of victory in Mosul, having opened safe routes for civilians to escape ISIS-controlled areas. The battle has seen significant losses for ISIS, which now controls only a few neighborhoods in the city.
- ISIS has lost approximately 60% of its territory and 80% of its revenue.
- Safe routes have been established for civilians to flee the remaining ISIS-held neighborhoods.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The battle for Mosul has been a critical front in the fight against ISIS, which has sought to establish a caliphate across parts of Iraq and Syria. The conflict has involved various local and international actors.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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