The Battle of Mosul (Arabic: ; Central Kurdish: ) is a joint offensive by Iraqi

government forces with allied militias, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and international forces
to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).[57][58][59] The offensive,
dubbed Operation "We Are Coming, Nineveh" ( ; Qadimun Ya Naynawa),[60][61] began on
16 October 2016, with forces besieging ISIL-controlled areas in the Nineveh
Governorate surrounding Mosul.[62][63][64] The battle for Mosul is considered key in the military
intervention against ISIL, which seized the city in June 2014.[65]Outnumbering ISIL forces 10 to 1, it is
the largest deployment of Iraqi troops since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.[66]
The operation follows the Mosul offensives in 2015 and 2016. The offensive began with Iraqi troops
and Peshmerga fighters engaging ISIL on three fronts outside Mosul, going from village to village in
the surrounding area. More than 120 towns and villages were liberated from ISIL control in the first
two weeks of fighting. At dawn on 1 November, Iraqi Special Operations Forces entered the city from
the east.[67] Met with fierce fighting, the government advance into the city was slowed by elaborate
defenses including road blocks, booby traps, suicide bombers and snipers and by the presence
of civilians.[68]
The Battle of Mosul is concurrent with the Battle of Sirte (2016) in Libya, and the Raqqa offensive by
the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on ISIL's capital city and stronghold in Syria.[69]

Contents
[hide]

1Background

o 1.1General background

o 1.2Preparations for the battle

o 1.3Forces involved in the offensive

2Timeline of the battle

o 2.12016

2.1.1October: Initial advances

2.1.2November: Entering East Mosul, reaching Tal Afar

2.1.3December: Advancing towards the Syrian border

o 2.22017

2.2.1January: Second phase and reaching the Tigris

2.2.2February: Third phase and advance into western Mosul

2.2.3March: Battle for western Mosul

2.2.4April

3Humanitarian issues

o 3.1ISIL abuses and abductions

o 3.2Allegations against anti-ISIL forces

 o 3.3Displacements and relief efforts

o 3.4Use of chemical weapons

4Context

o 4.1International reactions

o 4.2Media coverage and social media

o 4.3Turkish involvement

5Violation of the Laws of War in the Battle of Mosul

6Order of battle

o 6.1Anti-ISIL forces

o 6.2ISIL

7See also

8References

9External links

Background

Map of the territorial control during the 2016 Mosul offensive, as of August 2016

General background
Main articles: Fall of Mosul and Mosul offensive (2015)
Mosul is Iraq's second most populous city. It fell to 8001,500 ISIL militants in June 2014, because
of the largely Sunni population's deep distrust of the primarily Shia Iraqi government, and its corrupt
armed forces.[39][70] It was in the Great Mosque in Mosul that ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-
Baghdadi declared the beginning of ISIL's self-proclaimed "caliphate" which spans Iraq and Syria.
[70]
The original population of 2.5 million has fallen to approximately 1.5 million after two years of ISIL
rule. The city was once extremely diverse, with ethnic minorities
including Armenians, Yazidis, Assyrian, Turkmen, and Shabak people, all of whom have suffered
and continue to suffer considerably under the (majority Sunni Arab) Islamic State. [71] Mosul remains
the last stronghold of ISIL in Iraq,[72] and the anticipated offensive to reclaim it was promoted as the
"mother of all battles".[73][74][75][76]

Preparations for the battle

Main article: Mosul offensive (2016)
In the weeks leading up to the ground offensive, the US-led CJTF OIR coalition bombed ISIL
targets, and the Iraqi Army made gradual advances on the city.[66] Royal Air
Force's Reaper drones, Typhoons, and Tornados targeted "rocket
launchers, ammunition stockpiles, artillery pieces and mortar positions" in the 72 hours before the
ground assault began.[77] Leaflets dropped on the city by the Iraqi military advised young male
residents to "rise up" against ISIL when the battle began.[72] To prepare defenses against the assault,
ISIL operatives dug 4 m2 holes around the city, which they planned to fill with burning oil to reduce
visibility[66] and slow advances.[36] They also built hundreds of elaborate tunnels in the villages
surrounding Mosul, rigged with explosives and booby-traps, and laid improvised explosive
devices (IEDs) and mines along the roads.[78] There was considerable concern that ISIL might
employ chemical weapons against soldiers and civilians.[79]
According to Iraqi sources, the assault towards Mosul was being waged from Al-Khazer axis (east of
Mosul), Mosul Dam (northern axis), Baashiqa axis (eastern axis), Al-Qayyarah axis (southern axis),
and Talul el-Baj- Al-Khadr axis (southwestern axis).[80]

Forces involved in the offensive

U.S. Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force, at Qayyarah Airfield West,
22 September 2016

About 3,0005,000 ISIL fighters were estimated to be in Mosul city, according to the United States
Department of Defense.[81] Other estimates ranged as low as 2,000 and high as 12,000 ISIL fighters.
[39][41]
Mosul Eye estimated approximately 8,0009,000 fighters loyal to ISIL, with "[h]alf of them...
highly trained, and the rest... either teenagers or not well trained. About ten percent of the fighters
are foreign (Arabs and non-Arabs). The rest are Iraqis. Most are from Ninevehs townships and
districts."[82] Prior to the start of the battle, in late September 2016, it was estimated that around
20,000 ISIL fighters were living in Mosul,[83]many of whom later fled the city to Syria and Ar-Raqqah,
when Iraqi forces began to besiege the Mosul.
The Iraqi-led coalition was initially estimated by CNN to have 94,000 members,[84] but this number
was later revised upward to 108,500;[37] 54,000 to 60,000 Iraqi security forces (ISF) soldiers,
16,000 Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) fighters (also referred to as PMU), and
40,000 Peshmerga (including approximately 200 Iranian Kurdish female fighters from the Kurdistan
Freedom Party (PAK)[85] are deployed in the battle.[35][36]
Among the PMF units, the Nineveh Plain Protection Units composed of Assyrians are among the
paramilitary forces in the government coalition.[86][87] Shia militias, including several brigades of the
paramilitary organization Hashd al-Shaabi, the Peace Companies, Kata'ib Hezbollah, the League of
the Righteous, the Badr Organization, Saraya Ashura, Saraya Khorasani, Kata'ib al-Imam
Ali, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba and Turkmen Brigades also took part.[88][89] The Ezidi community of
the Sinjar region contributed the Sinjar Resistance Units (YB) and zdxan Women's Units (YJ),
[90]
which are operating in concert with Sunni Arab Shammar tribal militias and People's Defence
Forces (HPG) of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).[91] Other Assyrian forces involved in the
planned offensive includes the Nineveh Plain Forces (NPF) and Dwekh Nawsha, who are allied to
the Peshmerga.[92][93]

Peshmerga soldiers prepare to conduct a combined arms live-fire exercise with an Italian instructor near Erbil,
on 12 October 2016.
An international coalition of 60 nations, led by the United States, is supporting Iraq's war against
ISIL, providing logistical and air support, intelligence, and advice.[94] The international coalition forces
are headquartered 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Mosul at Qayyarah Airfield West (or Q-West)
in Qayyarah, which was retaken from ISIL in June.[95] About 560 U.S. troops from the 101st Airborne
Division were deployed to Q-West for the battle, including command and control elements, a security
detachment, an airfield operations team, and logistics and communications specialists. [96] The U.S.
deployed HIMARS rocket launchers and M777 howitzers, manned by the 101st's 2nd Brigade
Combat Team and the Golf Company, 526th Brigade Support Battalion. The French army deployed
four CAESAR howitzers and 150 to 200 soldiers at Qayyarah, with 600 more French troops
announced at the end of September.[97] An additional 150 French soldiers are in Erbil, east of Mosul,
training Peshmerga.[89] The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, with a squadron of 24 Rafale M jets,
was deployed from Toulon to the Syrian coast to support the operation against ISIL through airstrikes
and reconnaissance missions; 12 other Rafale jets are operating out of French Air Force bases in
Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).[98][99] 80 Australian special forces soldiers and
210 Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) soldiers were also deployed to
assist the Peshmerga. In addition, the Canadian Forces 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment was also
reported to be in the area, working to intercept and relay ISIL communications, while a Role
2 Canadian Army field hospital with 60 personnel has been set up to treat Peshmerga casualties.[100]
[101]

An Iraqi soldier during a course on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Camp Taji.
Coalition forces have expressed fears ISIL may use chemical weapons during the Battle of Mosul.

The Ba'ath loyalists group, known to be led by Saddam Hussein's former vice president Izzat
Ibrahim al-Douri, issued a statement before the start of operations calling for the people of the city to
start an uprising against ISIL and announced that they will fight the "terrorist organization." [102][103]

Timeline of the battle

2016
October: Initial advances
1617 October

A U.S. Army M109A6 Paladin conducts a fire mission at Qayyarah Airfield West, in support of the Iraqi security
forces' push toward Mosul, 17 October 2016.

On 16 October 2016, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the beginning of the assault to
recapture the city of Mosul.[64] Officials reported howitzers firing on ISIL targets later that day.[62] The
main assault began on 17 October at approximately 6am, [72] with shelling and the arrival of armored
vehicles to the front lines.[104] The Peshmerga in the Khazir region, east of Mosul, started the ground
assault by advancing on ISIL-held villages from three fronts, while Iraqi security forces advanced
from the south.[105] Iraqi troops advanced on the Bartella area east of Mosul while ISIL fighters fired
mortars at Peshmerga.[106] The President of KRG, Massoud Barzani, said that Peshmerga and Iraqi
government fighters retook 200 square kilometers (80 square miles) from ISIL on the first day of
fighting.[107] Iraqi government officials reported that "heavy losses of life and equipment" were inflicted
upon ISIL fighters in the Hamdaniya district southeast of Mosul. ISIL fighters who were wounded in
the battle were reported to have been bussed towards its Syrian headquarters of Raqqa for medical
aid.[35] The anti-ISIL coalition destroyed 52 targets during the day.[108] Family members of ISIL fighters
fled from Mosul to the village of Nawran due to the shelling. It was also reported that some fighters
had started shaving their beards and were getting rid of their Afghan uniforms. [109] ISIL was also
reported to have evacuated and shifted its headquarters from the west side of Mosul to its east side.
[110]
A bridge into Mosul known as the "Freedom Bridge" was destroyed. Peshmerga sources blamed
ISIL for its destruction, while ISIL claimed it was destroyed by airstrikes.[111]
18 October
On 18 October, the Iraqi government declared that twenty villages near Mosul were captured from
ISIL in the first 24 hours of fighting by the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces.[112] On the southern front, Iraqi
troops retook several villages near Qayyarah, including al-Sirt, Bajwaniya, al-Hud and al-Mashraf,
and parts of the al-Hamdaniya District southeast of Mosul. Iraqi Federal Police also regained control
of 56 oilfields in the Qayyarah district.[113] According to reports, the Peshmerga met little resistance on
the eastern front, while Iraqi and PMF fighters coming from the south were facing tougher resistance
from ISIL.[114]
The coalition strategy was reported to be to encircle Mosul completely, after which Iraqi troops would
advance into the city-center.[115] Early in the day on 18 October, Iraqi forces in the east came close
to Qaraqosh (Bakhdida), once the largest Assyrian town in Iraq, and fighters in the south were
closing in on Hammam al-'Alil.[108] Iraqi Army forces later stormed Qaraqosh and fought with ISIL
fighters who remained holed up.[116][117][118] The Iraqi and Peshmerga advance had been slowed down
during the same day due to suicide bombers, roadside IEDs and oil fires. In order to eliminate any
ISIL presence completely from the villages on the outskirts of the city, they were carrying out street-
by-street search operations.[119][120] The Peshmerga later paused their advance while the Iraqi Army
continued its advance.[121]

Iraqi security forces transport two BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles to tactical assembly areas with assistance
from the 313th Movement Control Battalion forward element, on 18 October 2016, near Makhmur, Iraq

Pro-government fighters in the south of Mosul were battling pockets of ISIL fighters and snipers as
they tried to reclaim the village of Abbasi,[122] and expected to soon take control of the village of
Zawiya.[123]Fighting resumed in the village of Kani Harami, which was captured by the Iraqi Army a
day earlier but recaptured by ISIL on 18 October as the Army lacked reinforcements. [117] The Army
also retook the village of Al-Hud on the Tigris, where villagers had risen up against ISIL and killed at
least 9 militants.[124][125] State police also secured the Al-Mishraq sulfur plant south of Mosul.[126] The al-
Shura district was stated by its mayor to have been captured by the Iraqi security forces. [127] Joint
airstrikes by Iraqi and coalition warplanes on ISIL headquarters in Mosul destroyed 13 targets and
killed 35 militants.[128]
As the Iraqi Army advanced on Mosul, rebellion against ISIL broke out in the city. The group's Islamic
Police revolted and attacked four headquarters of the organisation. The revolt was put down with 7
rebellious leaders being killed and many militants being executed. A group of rebels attacked a
headquarters of the group the next day, killed 2 militants and raised the Iraqi flag over the building.
ISIL patrols in the city were also attacked.[129][130][131]
A group of Naqshabandi Army militants reportedly attacked an ISIL controlled checkpoint in the
village of Al-Houd, wounding two ISIL militants before they were captured along with a few other
militants who attacked a group of ISIL militants in the same village in coordination with the PMF on
the day before. In total, 30 Naqshabandi militants were captured. [132]
19 October

Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to load a Joint Direct
Attack Munition onto an aircraft on 19 October as part of the U.S.-led airstrikes supporting the offensive.

The Iraqi army resumed fighting on 19 October, surrounding Qaraqosh with ISIL deploying snipers
and car bombs.[133][134] Lt. Gen. Qassim al-Maliki declared that Iraqi forces had captured 13 villages
north and northeast of Al Quwayr, south of Mosul. The Iraqi Army was also reported to be within 6
kilometres (3.7 mi) from the outskirts of Mosul.[135] The village of Kani Harami was captured after
heavy fighting in the morning with the militants retreating to Abbasiyah. [136] A total of 22 towns were
reported to have been captured, with 12 by the Peshmerga and 10 by the ISF.[137] Nofal Hammadi,
governor of the Nineveh Governorate, declared that 40% of the province had been retaken from
ISIL.[138]
The offensive to retake the town of Bashiqa northeast of Mosul, originally scheduled for dawn, was
delayed due to lack of logistical support.[139] Thousands of Peshmerga were reportedly preparing to
retake Bashiqa.[140] The international coalition's commander Gary Voelsky also stated that a majority
of ISIL leaders were fleeing Mosul and predicted foreign fighters will form the majority of militants
remaining in the city.[141][142]
20 October
The fighting grew more intense on 20 October.[143] A large convoy of Golden Division arrived at
positions retaken by the Peshmerga forces.[144] They also captured Bartella. ISIL fighters detonated 9
truck bombs during the fighting.[145] According to Maj. Gen. Maan al-Saadi of the Iraqi Army, 200 ISIL
fighters were killed in the fight for Bartella.[143]
The Peshmerga and NPF also announced a "large-scale operation" to the north and northeast of
Mosul, aiming to retake the Assyrian towns of Tesqopa and Bashiqa.[142][146] During the day, the
Peshmerga liberated 6 villages, including 4 on the Bashiqa front line and 2 on the Nawaran front. In
addition, they also entered another 4 villages. They briefly captured the village of Tiz Khirab but were
forced to withdraw.[147]On the southern front, Iraqi forces resumed their push north after a brief
pause[148] and recaptured six villages east of Qayyarah.[147]
A U.S. bomb disposal expert embedded with the Peshmerga was killed after the vehicle he was
riding in drove over a roadside bomb.[149] ISIL also set Al-Mishraq sulfur plant on fire, causing two
deaths and nearly 1,000 hospitalizations from sulfur fume inhalation.[150] An ISIL ambush near
Bashiqa left dozens of Peshmerga dead or wounded. [148] The group was also reported to be digging
trenches to slow the advancement of coalition troops.[151]
21 October
ISIL launched multiple attacks in Kirkuk on 21 October to divert military resources. Multiple
explosions and gun battles in the city, mostly centered on a government compound were reported. A
suicide bomber killed 13 workers, including four Iranians, at a power plant in Dibis. A senior
Peshmerga commander said that attackers had entered by posing as IDPs.[152] Iraqi government
forces meanwhile reported that they had retaken 2 more villages south of Mosul and killed 15
militants.[153]
22 October
Local boys observing cityscape of Qayyarah town on fire

On 22 October, Iraqi police declared that ISIL's attack on Kirkuk had been repelled and all attackers
had been killed or had blown themselves up.[154] Iraqi officials also stated that 80 people were killed in
Kirkuk, primarily Kurdish security forces, and about 170 wounded; 56 ISIL militants were also killed.
[155]
A reporter of Trkmeneli TV also died in the attack,[154] while at least seven journalists were
wounded.[156]
A large-scale offensive began to retake the Assyrian town of Qaraqosh which remained under ISIL
control after several days of fighting.[157] Iraqi troops also advanced on the town of Tel Keppe, north of
Mosul.[158] Shifting winds sent the gas from the ablaze Al Mishraq sulphur plant to Qayyarah Airfield
West, where U.S. and coalition forces were forced to use gas masks.[154] A journalist was also killed
by a sniper in the al-Shura area.[154]
Mosul Eye reported that ISIL had executed detainees and teens aged 1518 comprised the majority
of ISIL fighters in Mosul. The group was also reported to have planted bombs and booby traps
throughout the city and was preparing for battle.[159]
2324 October
The Peshmerga claimed on 23 October that they had recaptured Bashiqa,[160][161] however it was
reported on the following day that they were still trying to capture it with the help of the Turkish
military.[162] The Peshmerga General Command also stated that Peshmerge had cordoned off 8
villages and had secured a significant stretch of the Bashiqa-Mosul highway. It also stated that they
were now within 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) of the city.[163]
ISIL increased its counterattacks in order to distract the pro-government advancing towards Mosul.
In addition to the attack on Kirkuk on 21 October, ISIL fighters struck Ar-Rutbah as well as Sinjar.
Yazidi provincial chief Mahma Xelil said that at least 15 ISIL fighters were killed and two Peshmerga
wounded in a two-hour battle in Sinjar. ISIL claimed its forces destroyed two Peshmerga vehicles,
killing all on board.[164] Nearly 800 ISIL fighters had been killed while 78 villages were reported to
have been retaken from the group as of 24 October.[165] The attack on Kirkuk was also brought to an
end by 24 October, with 74 militants being killed and others including the leader of the attackers
being arrested.[166]
25 October

U.S. Army and Iraqi military leaders discuss battle plans at Qayyarah Airfield West, 25 October.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advancing on Mosul from the east of the city, were reported to be
within 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) of the city and were pausing to wait for reinforcements before
proceeding.[167] Turkish military supporting the Peshmerga destroyed several ISIL targets in the
Bashiqa region of Northern Iraq.[168][169] ISIL also used the burning oil trenches to impede the visibility
of the Iraqi Air Force and international coalition air force and executed 9 deserters. [170]
26 October
A French Dassault Rafale is refueled from a KC-10 Extender on 26 October near Iraq. The French Air Force
has 24 Rafale-Ms supporting the coalition forces.

Iraqi forces were met with heavy resistance from ISIL as they attempted to clear the militants from
villages in Shora, south of Mosul.[171] Hundreds of ISIL suicide bombers were reported to have been
sent from Syria to defend Mosul.[172]
Meanwhile, Peshmerga forces captured the village of Derk, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) northeast of
Mosul, where they discovered a large ISIL tunnel containing a large cache of weapons. [173] Stephen
Townsend, the commander of US forces in Iraq, stated that coalition forces had delivered more than
2,100 aerial bombs, artillery and mortar shells, rockets and missiles since the offensive to retake
Mosul started. The Iraqi government stated that that 57 Iraqi soldiers had been killed and about 250
wounded while 20 to 30 Peshmerga fighters are thought to have been killed. [174]
27 October
Captain Fahd al-Laithi of Iraq's National Information Agency stated that 13 militants were killed in a
coalition airstrike that targeted an IS concentration in the Hamam al-Alil district while Iraqi forces had
managed to retake 2 villages to the south of Mosul.[175] The head of the United States Central
Command, Gen. Joseph Votel stated that 800-900 militants had been killed in the battle.[174]
28 October
U.S. military officials estimated on 28 October that were 3,000 to 5,000 ISIL fighters left defending
Mosul while 1,500 to 2,000 militants were stationed outside the city.[176] Abdulrahman al Wagga, a
member of Nineveh provincial council, stated that Iraqi forces had retaken the town of Al-Shura, to
the south of Mosul and had evacuated 5,000 to 6,000 civilians from there. He further stated that the
area was now being cleared of homemade bombs and booby traps while security forces had almost
surrounded Hammam al-Alil.[177] He also stated Iraqi security forces might storm Hammam al-Alil in
the next few hours but that it would depend on the situation on the ground, as civilians were still
present and ISIL militants were using a "scorched earth" policy by destroying houses, buildings and
bridges to slow them down.[178]
Peshmerga and Iraqi forces also captured Fadiliya, which lies just 4 km away from Mosul.[179] UN
meanwhile stated that ISIL had taken tens of thousands of civilians to use as human shields in
Mosul, including at least 5,000 families from around Al-Shura and 2,210 families from the Nimrud
area of Hamdaniya. Those who refused to go were executed [177][180]
29 October
The PMF stated on 29 October they had launched an offensive towards the west of Mosul with an
aim to capture villages west of Mosul and reach the town of Tal Afar in order to prevent ISIL fighters
from retreating into neighboring Syria or any reinforcement for their defense of Mosul. They have
been tasked with recapturing around 14,000 km2 of territory from the group.[181][182][183] They also stated
that they would not enter Mosul.[184] Meanwhile, Iraqi Army and PMF captured 15 villages from ISIL.[183]
Mosul Eye confirmed that civilians from outside Mosul had been abducted and forced into the city by
ISIL which was confiscating homes from people for their own use. A new escape route from Mosul
had been set up by Syrian Kurds, who were charging $3,000 per person to smuggle people out of
the city to Turkey. The blog also reported that all bridges into the city were booby-trapped with IEDs.
[185]
30 October
The Peshmerga stated on 30 October that they had captured six more villages to north and east of
Mosul, and had seized control of several major roads and landmarks.[186] It also stated that it had
captured 500 square kilometers of territory since the operation began. [187] PMF meanwhile stated that
they had captured eight more villages to the southwest of Mosul. [188] SOHR stated that at least 480
Syrian fighters including 300 child soldiers (known as "Cubs of the Caliphate") brought to Iraq by
ISIL had been killed since the offensive began.[189]
31 October
A U.S. soldier of the 101st Airborne Division and a member of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces discuss
assessment of Iraqi security force checkpoints on 31 October at Qayyarah Airfield West.

On 31 October, a major Iraqi operation was launched on Bazwaya, to the east of Mosul. The ISOF
came under heavy fire from ISIL but managed to capture the town along with several nearby
villages.[190] After capturing Bazwaya, ISOF were less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from Mosul.[191]
Several Iraqi military officials stated that ISOF will begin its push into Mosul shortly.[192][193][194] The U.S.-
led coalition meanwhile aimed to target ISIL militants from the air if they attempted to flee the city.
The US Department of Defense stated that hundreds of militants were believed to have already
escaped.[195] Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi meanwhile called on ISIL fighters in Mosul to
surrender.[191]
November: Entering East Mosul, reaching Tal Afar
1 November
The operation to enter the city began at dawn on 1 November. The forces began their assault in
Mosul's eastern Karama district, with artillery, tank and machine-gun fire on ISIL positions as they
prepared the larger push into the city.[196] Airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition targeted ISIL positions,
and ISIL started tire fires to reduce visibility.[67]
Heavy fighting occurred in the Gogjali district, at the gate of the entrance to eastern Mosul, where
ISIL militants used car bombs and sniper fire to try to halt the advance. [197] The Golden Division
entered Mosul's city limits that afternoon, engaging in street fights with ISIL militants. [197] Shortly after,
the Iraqi Army announced that they had captured Mosul's state television building on the city's left
bank.[198][199] The Gogjali district was reported to be under Iraqi government control by the evening,
while the Iraqi Army's 9th Division and 3rd Brigade had entered the neighborhood of Judaydat al-
Mufti on the left bank. Near midnight, the Iraqi war media office reported that airstrikes had killed 116
militants inside Mosul, including 29 in Ghabat, 10 at an ISIL headquarters, 10 at a weapons depot
and 67 at a hotel pool. They also stated that Iraqi government forces suffered no casualties. [197]
[200]
Meanwhile, Iraqi government forces captured two villages on the northern front. [197]
Brigadier Saad Maan, the spokesperson of Iraqs Interior Ministry, stated that the plan of the joint
command in Nineveh was going faster than the Army had planned.[201] On the western front, at least
15 Popular Mobilization Forces (PMU) fighters were killed when they entered abandoned villages
booby-trapped with explosives.[202] ISIL also executed fifty deserters in Mosul.[203]
2 November
On 2 November, ISOF continued fighting remaining ISIL fighters in the eastern section of Gogjali.
[204]
Iraqi Brigadier General Haider Fadhil said his troops were forced to hold their positions in eastern
Mosul as poor weather conditions were limiting visibility for drones and aircraft, and preventing them
from advancing.[205] Meanwhile, eight militants were killed in Mosul by Iraqi forces.[206]
The PMU announced that it had captured 115 km that day after fierce fighting with ISIL, including
six villages, and had surrounded three ISIL-held villages. They also claimed that they had reached a
highway to the southwest of Mosul and had cut the first supply line to Mosul from Raqqa.[204] The Iraqi
Army in the southern front launched an offensive in the morning to recapture Hamam al-Alil and
engaged in heavy fighting with the group.[207] Meanwhile, Iraqi Federal Police captured two villages in
the south.[204]
3 November
ISIL released an audio file purportedly from their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in which he said he
was "confident of victory" in Mosul, and urged ISIL fighters not to retreat. [208]
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Army's 9th Armored Division was reported to have entered the neighborhood of
al-Intisar in eastern Mosul.[209] while Mosul's Fifth Bridge, located over the Tigris river, was destroyed
by airstrikes.[210]
U.S. and Iraqi authorities stated the offensive was "ahead of schedule" while Brigadier Saad Maan
stated that the priority of protecting civilian lives and infrastructure would possibly slow their advance
into the city.[211]
4 November
The Iraqi Army recaptured six districts in Mosul, including the eastern district of al-Zahra of which
they claimed to have captured 90%. They were also forced to withdraw from Karama district
because of heavy resistance.[212]Meanwhile, ISIL was reported to be abducting Mosul's boys to use
as child soldiers.[203]
5 November
Fighting continued in the morning, with clashes most intense in the neighborhood of al-Bakr.[213] The
eastern neighborhoods of Kirkukli and al-Zahra in the east and Al-Tahrir in the north-east were under
Iraqi control while the southern neighborhoods of Qudes and Karama reportedly remained under
ISIL control.[214] Fighting resumed in the Gogjali district, after militants emerged via tunnels during the
night.[215]
CNN's Arwa Damon, who was embedded with ISOF in Mosul, reported being trapped for 28 hours
near the neighborhoods of Kirkukli and Khadraa after an ambush on their military convoy forced
them to run into buildings for cover and hide among civilians. Despite multiple soldiers being injured,
backup forces were unable to assist as they were also under attack. [216]
ISIL claimed it had killed fifteen Iraqi soldiers and destroyed six military vehicles. [214] Meanwhile,
satellite images released by private U.S. firm Stratfor revealed ISIL had installed defenses including
rubble blocking main routes to the city center, rows of concrete barricades, and earthen berms. The
images also showed evidence that ISIL had leveled buildings and cleared the terrain around a
former military base on the west bank and around the Mosul International Airport.[213]
The Iraqi Army continued its assault on three fronts to Hamam al-Alil.[214] In the early afternoon, Iraqi
forces entered the town center with heavy clashes continuing. ISIL fighters were reportedly traveling
by motorcycle to avoid airstrikes. During the night, Hamam al-Alil was reported to have been retaken
by Iraqi forces.[215]

Field hospital in Mosul, 6 November 2016

6 November
On 6 November, Iraqi forces in the southwestern front stated that they were 4 kilometres (2.5 mi)
from Mosul International Airport after taking control of Hamam al-Alil the previous day.[217] They also
stormed the Al-Sada district, their first entrance into northern Mosul.[218] The Iraq War Media Office
announced that Abu Hamza al-Ansari, a key ISIL leader from Algeria, was killed in southern Mosul
during clashes with the Iraqi Army's 15th Division.[26]
Blogger Mosul Eye reported that ISIL had begun installing bombs around residential buildings.
[219]
Meanwhile, a Kurdish official stated that three militants had been killed in an uprising by civilians
in eastern Mosul.[26]
7 November
The Peshmerga, backed by coalition airstrikes, launched an offensive from three fronts in the
morning to take the town of Bashiqa, which was still held by ISIL and had been surrounded for about
two weeks.[220]About 100 to 200 ISIL militants were estimated to be left in the town. [221] In the early
afternoon, the Iraqi troops also advanced on the town of Tel Keppe, north of Mosul, besieging the
town. The town of Bashiqa was reported to be fully under Peshmerga control, though an ISIL pocket
remained under siege in the town.[220]
On the southern front, Hamam al-Alil, which had been reported to be under Iraqi control two days
earlier, was fully captured by pro-government forces.[222] In eastern Mosul, the ISOF surrounded the
neighborhoods of Karama, Malayyin al-Salasa, Shquq Khazraa, Zahra, Karkuli, Aden, and Zahabi.
The Iraqi Army's 9th armored division and the 3rd Brigade liberated the village of Manarat Shabak
east of the city, and made an incursion into the eastern Mosul neighborhoods of Hay Intisar,
Judaydah al-Mufti, and Hay Shaima. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Federal Police captured two villages near
Hammam Al-Alil.[220]
8 November
The Peshmerga killed twelve ISIL fighters trying to flee Bashiqa.[223] In the western front, PMU forces
were reported to have advanced to a distance of 25 km towards strategically important Tal
Afar military air base, south of the city.[224] CJTFOIR also stated it had carried out an airstrike on an
ISIL headquarters building near Tal Afar.[225] ISIL senior commander Mahmoud Shukri al-Nuaimi was
also reported to have been killed in a coalition airstrike in western Mosul. [27]
9 November
The ISOF captured the majority of the Intisar district in southern Mosul, while ISIL had reportedly
deployed armed child soldiers in Mosul.[226] Aid agencies were unable to reach Mosul's
neighborhoods retaken by Iraqi forces because of the danger of boobytraps and snipers. [227]
10 November
In eastern Mosul, the Golden Division (controlling Zahra district and at least half of Aden district
where clashes were ongoing) as well as elements of the 9th division (controlling Intisar district) were
reported to be regrouping and clearing neighborhoods once occupied by ISIL, as well as screening
residents fleeing from Mosul for any militants hiding among them. [228] On the southern front, pro-
government forces advanced towards the ancient city of Nimrud.[229] Iraqi officials announced that the
new ISIL war official, Khaled al-Mitwiti, had been killed, [230] while the Abbas Rajab village was
captured by Iraqi forces.[231]
11 November
On the southern front, Iraqi forces were preparing to advance up the western bank of the Tigris River
toward Mosul International Airport.[232] In eastern Mosul, Iraqi forces launched a new offensive to
regain control of the neighborhood of Karkukli.[233] Iraqi anti-terror units were reported to have entered
the Qadesiyya neighborhood.[234]
12 November
On 12 November, heavy clashes were reported in the al-Salam neighborhood of east Mosul. [235] Iraqi
Army announced that it had captured al-Arbajiya district and was clearing the adjacent al-Qadisiya
al-Thaniya district.[236]They also reached Palestine neighborhood in southeast Mosul and were
engaged in battle with ISIL in the Quds neighborhood. [235] The PMU announced that the Sinjar
Resistance Units (YB) as its part, had started the operation to capture villages around Sinjar from
ISIL.[237]
After a number of its senior leaders were killed by a coalition air strike in east Mosul, ISIL imposed a
curfew in the city.[238] A local source also stated that the group was evacuating families of its fighters
from west to east Mosul, denoting a severe collapse of defenses on the western front. [239] Its fighters
were meanwhile using drones for surveillance as well as suicide bombers and snipers against the
Iraqi Army.[235]
13 November
On 13 November, Iraqi forces recaptured the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud as well as the adjacent
modern town.[240][241] Iraqi forces meanwhile captured the Karkojli neighborhood in eastern Mosul.
[242]
Brig. Gen. Maan al Saadi, the commander of the 2nd Group of ISOF, stated ISIL was collapsing
and losing control, with Iraqi forces now only two days away from seizing a neighborhood where they
planned to fight for four days.[243]
14 November
On 14 November, thirty ISIL fighters, including senior leaders, were killed as PMU forces captured
the village of al-Abbas.[244] They also captured two more villages, and stated ISIL received severe
human and material losses.[245] Meanwhile, twenty militants were killed in airstrikes by the Iraqi air
Force.[246]

ISOF APC on the street of Mosul, 16 November 2016

Pro-government forces on the southern front captured the village of Bo Youssef and were 3
kilometres (1.9 mi) from Mosul airport.[244] ISIL meanwhile launched three attacks using rockets filled
with mustard gas on Qayyarah, causing seven casualties. [247]
15 November
On 15 November, 49 militants were killed in airstrikes by the United States Air Force on the al-Bakr
neighborhood of Mosul.[248] Troops of the Golden Division meanwhile began storming areas in
northern and eastern Mosul, including the neighborhoods of al-Akhaa, al-Bakr and al-Hadbaa. Two
car bombs were destroyed while three suicide bombers were killed.[249] On the Western front, the
Badr Organization announced that it had captured two villages and advanced 10 kilometers in the
western axis of the offensive.[250]

Outskirts of Mosul, 17 November 2016

16 November
On 16 November, fourteen civilians were killed by ISIL in the al-Zahraa neighborhood under
government control.[251] Airstrikes by the US-led coalition meanwhile destroyed 4 watercrafts, 6
mortar systems, 2 fighting positions, 2 vehicles, a bunker and a building held by ISIL. [252]
PMF also took control of Tal Afar military airbase west of the city Mosul, killing a large number of ISIL
fighters in the process.[253][254]
18 November
On 18 November, in the West, PMF were securing and clearing Tal Afar military airbase, which they
had captured from ISIL two days earlier, and preparing the assault on the city proper.[255] In the
vicinity, they were attacking further villages, in an area infamous for Sunni Islamist militancy and
outstanding support for ISIL among the population. [256] PMF control had already been established in
over 16 villages in the surrounding area, during preceding days.[257]
20 November
The Anti-Terrorism Directorate said in a statement aired by the state-owned television that the Anti-
Terrorism forces managed to liberate the areas of Hayy Adan, al-Akhaa and the water project in
Mosul, within the eastern axis of Nineveh liberation operations. The Wali of Islamic State in Hayy
Adan, Marwan Hamed Saleh al-Hayali, was killed.[258]

Map of Mosul control lines (around 22 November 2016)

22 November
On 22 November, in Mosul ISIL fighters were reported targeting Iraqi special forces with rockets and
mortars as they slowly advanced in the densely populated Zohour neighborhood. [259] Four of the five
Tigris bridges were hit by coalition airstrikes within the past 48 hours. [260]
Far to the West at the Syrian border, near the town of Baaj, four Islamic State commanders were
captured in a U.S. special operation.[260]
23 November
On 23 November, to the West, PMF reported cutting the road between Sinjar and Tal Afar, their Shia
component groups advancing from the South linking up with the Sinjar Resistance
Units and zdxan Women's Units to the North, thus completing the encirclement of the Mosul
pocket.[261]
25 November
50 ISIL fighters were killed and 32 others were arrested with Iraqi Federal Police continuing the
operation to clear the area south of Mosul.[262]
30 November
On 30 November, the PMF said that they captured 12 villages from ISIL in the Tal Afar area, over the
past five days.[263]
At the end of November, the Iraqi military assessed that it had taken control of 19 neighbourhoods in
eastern Mosul during the month, constituting somewhat less than 30 percent of the area of Mosul
east of the Tigris.[264] While the "Golden Division" Special Operations Forces persistently advanced
into East Mosul, the 9th Division took one neighbourhood in the southeast, the 16th Division had not
yet breached Mosul city limits from the north, and the 15th Division, advancing from the southwest,
was still several kilometres away from western Mosul.[265]
December: Advancing towards the Syrian border
4 December
2 ISIL leaders, Abu Turq and Falah al-Rashidi, were killed in airstrikes by the anti-ISIL coalition on 4
December. Al-Rishdi was involved in the group's use of VBIEDs (vehicle-borne improvised explosive
device) and was killed in Mosul. Abu Turq was killed in Shirqat and was a financial facilitator.[266]
6 December
20 airstrikes by the US-led coalition were heard on the morning of 6 December following an assault
on the city's strategic main bridge that was held by ISIL. In the overnight hours, ISIL launched a
counter-attack in the southeastern area of Mosul, near al-Salam; however, casualty figures from
either side were not announced.[267] PMU meanwhile stated that it had captured the southern section
of Tal Abta.[268]
Ongoing battle as of December 7, 2016.

7 December
Following the overnight ISIL attack, Iraqi forces continued to secure the al-Salam area, capturing al-
Salam hospital. However, ISIL recaptured the hospital after a counterattack which destroyed or
disabled 20 Iraqi vehicles.[269]
9 December
Iraqi Joint Operations Command announced on 9 December that they had captured the three
districts of Saha, Adel and Tahrir. It further added that Iraqi forces had captured 27 districts of Mosul
with clashes ongoing in 4 districts. Lieutenant-General Abdul Ameer Yarallah meanwhile stated that
three factories making car bombs in Mosul and three weapons warehouses were destroyed by Iraqi
airstrikes.[270]
11 December
The CTS forces mentioned that they had captured another district of east Mosul, al-Nour
neighborhood.[271]
12 December
The Iraqi federal police said that three of their brigades, initially meant to advance from the
southwest toward the airport, were redeployed to join the three "Golden Division" counterterrorism
brigades in the east of the city.[272]
13 December
CTS commander Abdul Wahab al-Saedi stated that there were only 6 districts left to be captured by
the CTS forces in East Mosul and they had already captured 32 of them. [273] While the PMF to the
West continued clearing villages in the desert region of the ISIL heartland, on 13 December it was
reported that the Badr militia was targeting villages around Tal Afar to "surround Daesh and tighten
the noose around them", and Kata'ib Hezbollah advanced further west towards the Syrian border.
[274]
Abu Dur al-Tunsi and Bilal al-Shawash, two Tunisian ISIL military commanders, reportedly
deserted after they were attacked by Iraqi members. According to the head of Nineveh Media
Centre's Raafat al-Zarari, the local militants were being made to fight at the front lines, while some
non-Iraqi commanders didn't engage in direct clashes.[32] CTS forces meanwhile captured al-Falah
Oula and al-Falah Thaniya districts later in the day while PMU captured 7 villages near Tal Afar.[275]
14 December
On 14 December, 70 ISIL fighters including 20 senior leaders as well as their bodyguards were killed
in Iraqi airstrikes on Tel Abta where they were holding a meeting. [276] Meanwhile, 40 civilians were
killed in airstrikes and shelling in east Mosul.[277] A number of militants who attempted to launch
suicide attacks in 3 districts of east Mosul were also killed, with some of their booby-trapped vehicles
also destroyed.[278]
15 December
The Iraqi Federal Police announced on 15 December the capture of Saleh Najem Abdullah, the
Media Center Official of ISIL.[279] CTS commander Abdul Ghani al-Assadi meanwhile announced that
the first phase of retaking the eastern shores of the city was completed, with CTS forces capturing
40 out of 56 districts.[280]
16 December
PMF were in the process to take control of further villages to the south and southwest of Tal Afar,
after capturing Tel Abth district, home to almost 50,000 people and a major strategic ISIL stronghold,
in the past days.[272] Iraqi forces meanwhile repelled 4 ISIL attacks, killing 174 militants and destroying
13 SVBIEDs.[281]
17 December
An airstrike by the US-led coalition near Mosul destroyed 5 buildings used by ISIL in addition to
quantities of weapons and equipment.[282]
18 December
Brig. Gen. Taher al-Sammak of Iraq's SWAT forces stated that the 9th Division, with the assistance
of CTS, had started attacking al-Wehda district of east Mosul in order to regain control of al-Salam
hospital.[283]
19 December
Captain Iyad Ziad of Nineveh Operations Command stated that Iraqi forces had stormed into al-
Mazare area after retaking large parts of al-Wahda in southeastern Mosul and also killed 14 ISIL
fighters including 4 suicide bombers.[284] 4 PMF fighters were meanwhile killed in an ISIL attack on
Abu Senam village near Tel Afar. The group also shelled Tel Afar Airport and destroyed 2 PMF
vehicles.[285]
21 December
U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Matthew Isler announced on 21 December that pro-government
forces had entered a planned operational refit which included repairing vehicles, re-supplying
ammunition and preparing for the next stage of the battle. He also stated that they had captured
more than a quarter of the city.[286]
22 December
The UN stated, on 22 December, that 4 Iraqi aid workers and 7 civilians were killed by mortar fire.
Later, ISIL launched a triple suicide bomb attack at a market in Gogjali. 23 people, including 15
civilians, were killed in the attacks, according to the Iraqi military.[287]The Iraqi Ministry of Defense
says the Iraqi Air Force bombarded a gathering of Islamic State members, south of Tal Abta area,
killing 20 leaders and 50 members, based on intelligence information. [288]
23 December
The Iraqi Army captured the Mosul Police Academy headquarters in Al-Qahira district on 23
December. This was their first major advance since suspension of military operations a week earlier.
[289]

24 December

Iraqis present Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford with the ISIL flag upside down

U.S. Army Colonel Brett G. Sylvia stated on 24 December that American soldiers assisting Iraqi
forces will be embedded more extensively and will partner with additional formations. [290] Iraqi Prime
Minister Haider al-Abadi stated that Iraqi forces are in control of over a third of Mosul. Iraqi Joint
Operations Command spokesperson Yahia Rasoul stated that Iraqi forces control 44% of Nineveh
Governate. He added that CTS forces control 40 districts in east Mosul, while the Iraqi Army's 9th
Battalion held six districts.[291] Meanwhile, 10 civilians were killed due to ISIL shelling in eastern
Mosul.[292]
25 December
At least 97 militants were killed in Mosul during the day according to Operations Commander
Lieutenant-General Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah. He stated that an attack by ISIL on police stations
south of Abuyosif area resulted in the death of 21 IS fighters. He also added that another attack at
Al-Intisar, Salam and Al-Shaima'a neighborhoods had killed 51 jihadists, while the anti-ISIL coalition
killed 25 militants in airstrikes on their hideout.[293] CTS reportedly stormed into the Al-Quds district
later in the day.[294]
26 December
Commander of Nineveh Operations Major General Najim al-Jabouri announced on 26 December
that new military reinforcements had arrived in the Mosul neighborhoods retaken by Iraqi forces,
both to enhance their presence and to prepare themselves to storm into the remaining areas of the
eastern side.[295] Lieutenant Colonel Stuart James, commander of an American battalion assisting the
Iraqi forces, meanwhile stated that a new advance in Mosul would begin within days. [296] The Iraqi
Defence Ministry meanwhile stated that 10 militants were killed and 14 ISIL cannons were destroyed
in coalition airstrikes in east of Mosul.[297] According to a military official, another 5 ISIL fighters were
captured for information after some troops of the 16th Division, disguised as ISIL members,
infiltrated inside the Owaiza area.[298]
27 December
The ISIL-run Amaq News Agency stated that the anti-ISIL coalition had destroyed the Old Bridge, the
last functioning bridge in Mosul. The US-led Coalition, meanwhile, stated that it had disabled a
Mosul bridge with airstrikes without providing the details.[299]
29 December
Iraqi forces launched the second phase of the battle on 29 December, pushing from three directions
into eastern Mosul districts. Iraqi soldiers and Federal Police entered about half a dozen
southeastern districts. CTS meanwhile advanced in al-Quds and Karama districts. In the third front,
Iraqi soldiers also pushed toward the northern limits.[300] Jabouri stated that they were ordered by the
Prime Minister to reach the Tigris River.[301] An ISIL headquarters in al-Thobat district was reportedly
destroyed in coalition airstrikes, killing 12 militants.[302] Later in the day, the commander of the
operation declared that they had captured 2 villages to the north of Mosul, killing 70 militants. [303] Iraqi
forces had captured half of al-Quds by early afternoon. [304] The Iraqi military later announced that they
had killed more than 200 militants during the day.[305]
30 December
Iraqi security forces advanced in several areas on 30 December. In the northern front, the 16th
Division stormed the Habdaa district while also trying to cut off the supply lines to Tel Kayf. [306]
[307]
Meanwhile, ISIL was reported to have evacuated family members of its foreign fighters from four
districts in western Mosul.[308] 2 ISIL attacks in eastern Mosul were later repelled.[309] Ammar al-
Haweidi, who is an elite leader of ISIL was reported to have been killed by the Iraqi Federal Police.
[310]
Clashes broke out again in one of the villages reported to be captured a day earlier.[311]
31 December
Heavy clashes occurred on the southeastern and northern fronts of Mosul on 31 December. An Iraqi
Army officer deployed in the southeastern front reported that their advances were slowed down due
to heavy clashes and difficulty in differentiating between civilians and militants. Iraqi forces on the
northern front advances towards the periphery of Mosul, with an officer stating that heavy clashes
were ongoing in the Argoob area.[312] The CTS destroyed four VBIEDs when ISIL tried to attack them
in the street linking al-Tamim neighborhood and the garage area in east Mosul. [313] The U.S.
military meanwhile stated that its airstrikes on a van carrying ISIL fighters at a hospital compound
parking lot might have killed civilians.[314]

2017
January: Second phase and reaching the Tigris
1 January
Iraqi forces continued their advance on 1 January 2017. The military announced that it had captured
a part of the Karama district, and a federal police officer stated that they had taken near complete
control of Intissar and Siha districts, and were clearing the Salam district. [315] CTS linked up with
Rapid Response Division during the day at the edge of al-Intissar and al-Quds. Staff Lieutenant
General Abdulwahab al-Saadi, a top CTS commander, stated that Iraqi forces had captured more
than 60% of east Mosul.[316] Iraqi Defence Ministry's War Media Cell announced during the day that
Iraqi forces had captured Yunus al-Sabaawi and Yafa districts in the southeastern part of the city. Lt.
Col. Eyad al-Awsyi said that they had also completely captured al-Intissar, and were nearing
completion of capturing Karama.[317] Federal Police announced later in the day that they had captured
the Gogjali-Intsar road.[318] They also stated during the day that they had captured the strategic No.60
Street to the southeast of Mosul. Army major Ali Mohsen meanwhile said that the Iraqi Army had
captured al-Malayeen, al-Kindi and al-Arabi al-Thania districts.[319]
2 January
CTS announced on 2 January that they had completely captured al-Karama district. [320] Sabah al-
Numan, the CTS spokesman, later stated that they were clearing the remaining militants in North
Karama. ISIL meanwhile cut off a strategic road linking Mosul and Baghdad. The group also shelled
Shirqat, after attacking a military barracks near Baiji and seizing weapons. According to the Mayor of
Shirqat, they had seized 3 checkpoints on the main road between the city and Baiji. Iraqi authorities
later said that they had regained control of the road.[321]
3 January
Iraqi forces stormed three districts on 3 January and killed 50 militants during clashes in 2 of them.
[322]
The operation commander said that Iraqi Air Force airstrikes had destroyed the office of
ISIL's hisbah police located on Mosul-Tel Afar road, and several warfare utilities of the group. [323] The
Federal Police said that it had destroyed the headquarters of Jund al-Khilafa (Soldiers of Caliphate),
an ISIL explosives factory and a drone headquarters in al-Mithaq district. [324] The Iraqi Army
announced later that CTS had captured Karama industrial neighborhood, the Industrial district, the
Karama Silo (a flour mill), and a Mercedes Company building during the day.[325] The Ministry of
Defense later announced that Iraqi forces had captured the area of exhibitions and the commercial
complex to the south of Ta'mim district.[326] The forces later announced that they had captured Al-Hay
al-Senai and al-Mithaq districts as well as the Maaridh area to the east of Mosul. [327]
4 January
Iraqi forces cleared Mithaq district and advanced in al-Wahda on 4 January.[328] The United
Nations said that civilian casualties had started increasing as they advanced. [329] The Joint
Operations Command said that the Federal Police and 9th Division had captured Wahda after heavy
clashes, bringing them closer to the city center, and that ISIL counter-attacks in southeastern Mosul
had been repelled, with the death of about 40 militants and destruction of 7 VBIEDs. Iraqi forces also
advanced in al-Salam, Palestine, al-Shaimaa, Domiez and Sumer districts amid heavy clashes.
[330]
The Federal Police meanwhile announced the killing of Abu Marawan al-Hadithi, an ISIL leader.
Lt.-Gen. Ra'ed Shaker also said that Iraqi forces had cleared al-Wahda, al-Moallemin and Sumer
districts, and had captured the Mosul-Kirkuk road.[331] The United States Department of Defense and
the anti-ISIL coalition stated that American advisers had entered Mosul along with Iraqi forces. [332]
5 January
Lt.-Gen. Talib Shaghati stated on 5 January that Iraqi forces had captured about 65-70% of east
Mosul.[333] During the day, the Federal Police said that they had destroyed three ISIL drones in east
Mosul. An attack on PMU near Tal Afar was meanwhile reportedly repelled, with the deaths of 35
militants including senior recruitment agent Abu Qaswara al-Shami.[334] The Federal Police
announced that 1,700 ISIL fighters had been killed in the second phase. General Raed Shaker
Jawdat stated that the group's headquarters in Nineveh province had been destroyed and Iraqi
forces had captured eight districts in the second phase, thus bringing the entire southeastern section
of Mosul under their control. He added that they had also captured drone factories, five car bomb
manufacturing plants, an electrical plant, a windmill and several schools. He said that all the
remaining districts in east Mosul had been surrounded and would be stormed soon. [335]
6 January
On 6 January, CTS was reported to have stormed the al-Muthanna district during an overnight raid
across the al-Khawsar river.[336] A CTS spokesman later said that ISIL had been driven out of the
district and dozens of militants killed in airstrikes by the anti-ISIL coalition. [337] This was the first time
that Iraqi forces had entered Mosul from the north. [338] They also launched an assault on the Hadbaa
apartment complex in the northern front, and faced heavy clashes later in the day.[339]
7 January
Iraqi forces continued their advance on 7 January, coming within several hundred metres of the
Tigris river. During the day CTS said that they had captured the al-Gharfan district (previously known
as al-Baath) and had entered Wahda district. The military later announced that they had captured a
hospital complex in Wahda. Meanwhile, a spokesman of the anti-ISIL coalition stated that ISIL had
deliberately damaged the fourth bridge as Iraqi forces advanced.[340] Staff Lieutenant General
Yarallah said that Iraqi forces had captured Al-Salam Hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital and the Faculty of
Medicine, a medical college. They had also captured ISIL's command center and two prisons. [341]
[342]
He later said that CTS had captured Rifaq, Atibaa 1st and Atibaa 2nd districts, and well as the
Hadbaa residential complex.[343]
8 January
On 8 January, al-Saadi said that CTS troops advancing towards Sukkar and Baladiyat districts had
been attacked by ISIL from a historic hill, but had been repelled with the help of coalition warplanes,
killing dozens of militants.[344] Security sources said that Iraqi forces were shelling ISIL's positions in
al-Kindi district in preparation for storming it later, while the 9th division and Federal Police had
launched an attack on Sumer and Domiz districts in the southeastern front. [345] The CTS spokesman
said that Iraqi forces had reached the Tigris river for the first time in the offensive, advancing towards
the eastern side of the fourth bridge. Brett McGurk, USA's envoy to the anti-ISIL coalition, said that
ISIL's defences in eastern Mosul were showing signs of collapse.[346] An ISIL attack on Hadbaa
apartments was later reportedly repelled, with the death of about 10 militants and destruction of 4
VBIEDs.[347] PMU meanwhile stated that they had repelled an IS