Iraqi Forces Take Control of Six Areas in Eastern Mosul

Reports indicate that Iraqi forces advanced in eastern Mosul on Friday, managing to drive Islamic State (ISIS) militants out of six areas in the city. According to Reuters, a military commander of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Units stated that a large-scale operation against the militia forces in the city, which is nearly surrounded by government forces, has begun. The Iraqi army claims that the forces involved in the Mosul operation have liberated the areas of Al-Malayin, Al-Samakh, Al-Khadhra, Kirkukli, Al-Quds, and Al-Karama. General Talib Shaghati, commander of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Unit, said: 'This is a significant advancement as a large part of the left bank of the river (east of the Tigris) has been liberated.' Meanwhile, residents of one of the areas that the Iraqi army announced as liberated told Reuters that clashes in the region are still ongoing. According to a Reuters reporter, the battle in the 'Intisar' area of Mosul is intense, with smoke from explosions and clashes visible. Mosul had a population of nearly two million before the war in 2014. However, in recent days, international organizations have expressed concern over the situation of Mosul's citizens during this operation. Iraqi commanders, supported by the air power of the US-led coalition, have stated that the advances have exceeded expectations, but it should be noted that the operation is still in its early stages. A spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office stated on Friday that ISIS forces have executed hundreds of people, including 50 who attempted to flee, along with 180 government employees in Mosul. UN officials say that ISIS has transferred at least 1,600 residents of Hammam al-Alil in southern Mosul to the city, likely to use them as human shields against airstrikes. According to this report, 30,000 people have left their homes in Mosul so far, with eight thousand fleeing just yesterday.