Iraqi forces locked in intense fighting with Islamic State terrorists in al-Ayadiya
Iraqi forces managed to regain control of a significant portion of Tal Afar. Photograph:(Reuters)
Iraqi forces, in their final push against Islamic State in the north-western district of Tal Afar, have been locked in an intense fighting in the nearby town of al-Ayadiya.
“We have to finish the battle before Eid, whatever it takes,” said Army Lieutenant Colonel Adnan al-Saidi.
Additional troops have been sent to the area to flush out the remaining Islamic State terrorists.
As the Iraqi troops recaptured most of Tal Afar, the Islamic State terrorists fled to the nearby town of al-Ayadiya.
Some of the Iraqi forces personnel admitted that the fighting in al-Ayadiya was more intense than the battle for Mosul.
Mosul, which was the de facto capital of ISIS in Iraq, was retaken in July after months of fighting.
(With inputs from Reuters)