Iraqi Forces Take Control of Second Mosul Bridge

Reuters reports, citing a public relations official from the Iraqi army, that the military forces of Iraq have successfully taken control of the "Freedom" bridge over the Tigris River in the city of Mosul. This bridge can lead them to the center of the old part of the city. The Iraqi army and government-aligned militias, with the help of a U.S.-led coalition, are currently engaged in battles against the personnel of the group known as the Islamic State in Mosul. The fighting is concentrated in the western part of the city, which is the most densely populated area of the region. On March 6, Reuters reported that the Iraqi armed forces now control the second of five bridges over the Tigris River, having successfully captured the first bridge on February 27. Although the bridges in Mosul have been damaged during the battles, Iraqi forces hope that by capturing and rebuilding them, they can create a support route for other forces on the eastern side of the city and pave their way to the west. The Iraqi army, aided by predominantly Shia militias, Kurdish Peshmerga, and support from the U.S.-led coalition, advanced on Sunday toward central western Mosul and government buildings in the city. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration has reported that the number of displaced persons from the Mosul battles has now exceeded 200,000. Mosul is the most important city in Iraq, which fell under the control of the extremist group ISIS during its major advances in Iraq and Syria in 2014. The operation for Iraqi forces to retake the city began in October. In this context, Iraqi forces are on the verge of retaking government buildings in western Mosul, having captured the last road in western Mosul, where ISIS militants are now besieged. The International Red Cross has reported evidence of chemical attacks on civilians in Mosul. The number of displaced persons from the Mosul battles continues to rise, as the Iraqi army approaches government buildings.