Iraqi Air Force Kills 70 Daesh Members Including 20 Commanders Near Mosul

Iraqi Air Force attacked Daesh terrorists to the west of Mosul, killing 20 commanders and some 50 members of the terrorist group, who were ensuring the security of the group’s leadership, Iraqi Defense Ministry said Thursday.

CAIRO, (Sputnik) – Iraqi forces attacked Daesh terrorists during a meeting which where the militants were planning attacks on the strategically important Iraqi city of Tal Afar, the ministry said, citing the information provided by the intelligence services.

The Iraqi operation to liberate Mosul, which was occupied by Daesh in June 2014, has been ongoing since October 17. The offensive is led by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Iraqi soldiers backed by the US-led anti-terror coalition.

Iraqi army and anti-terrorist units storm Mosul from the northern and eastern flank, while federal police approach the city from the east.

In October, Shiite militia expressed intention to retake Tal Afar, which is situated some 30 miles from Mosul, and hence to prevent the escape of Daesh militants to Syria.