CGTN America
Fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation units), backing the Iraqi forces, pose with the Iraqi flag from Tal Afar’s Ottoman-era historic citadel after troops took control of the area during an operation to retake the city from the Islamic State (IS) group on August 27, 2017.
Iraqi forces backed by local militia and a US-led coalition were poised to drive the Islamic State group from Tal Afar, dealing another blow to the jihadists. / AFP PHOTO / AHMAD AL-RUBAYE
The Iraqi military is claiming victory in the town of Tal Afar, a place that has served as a stronghold for ISIL.
The army has regained control of the town, pushing the insurgents further north.
CGTN’s Tony Cheng reports from Erbil.
After eight days of fighting insurgents, Iraqi forces have recaptured the northwest city.
The largest victory came in the heart of Tal Afar, after Iraqi forces reclaimed the historic, town center. The army waved the national flag as a sign of triumph.
Officials believe some 2,000 members of ISIL originally had control of town. Now all that remains of these insurgents is a small group that’s retreated to a village north of the city.
Iraqi forces were at an advantage in Tal Afar, with the city cut off from the rest of ISIL-held territory earlier this year.
The loss of Tal Afar is a karge defeat for ISIL, who used the town as a base to transport weapons and people across the border into Syria.
[flagallery gid=215]
