Iraqi military commanders say their forces have seized full control of Mosul's university from the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, the latest key advance in efforts to recapture the eastern side of the city.
"This great scientific and cultural building was liberated by the heroes," the head of Iraq's Counterterrorism Service (CTS), Lieutenant General Talib Shaghati, said on January 14.
The university campus lies in the north of Mosul on the east bank of the Tigris River that splits the city in two.
IS militants have used the university grounds as a base, and Iraqi officials say that they also used the laboratories to make chemical weapons.
Military forces have been attempting to retake Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in Iraq, since October.
CTS Major General Maan Saadi said Iraqi forces may recapture the city's eastern half “in the next 10 days or so."
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
'The Best' For Putin: How The Kremlin Stands To Gain From Iran's Attack On Israel
2Explainer: The 'Kamikaze' Drones Iran Used To Attack Israel
3Iran's Unprecedented But Choreographed Attack On Israel Underlines Tehran's Limits
4Wider Europe Briefing: Kosovo Could Finally Get In The Council Of Europe
5Live Briefing: Russia Invades Ukraine
6At Least 17 Dead In Ukraine As Zelenskiy Laments Lack Of Air Defenses
7Ukraine Will Become NATO Member, Predicts Former Deputy Secretary-General
8John Bolton Says Strong Israeli Response To Iran Attack Would Be Justified
9Ukraine Commander Says Moscow Seeks Fall Of Chasiv Yar By May 9
10Georgian Deputy Punches Lawmaker Over 'Foreign Agents' Bill
Subscribe