Iraqi forces pausing Mosul advance
By Trend
Iraqi and Peshmerga forces are pausing the advance on Mosul to ensure rear areas are cleared of Islamic State fighters, but the US-led coalition will continue to conduct airstrikes against the militants, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesperson Col. John Dorrian said in a briefing on Friday, Sputnik International reported.
US-coalition forces have continued to conduct airstrikes against ISIS tunnels and other targets, as Iraqi forces remain about six to 12 miles from the city of Mosul, the spokesman added.
"They’ve seen some tactics, techniques and procedures by ISIS that have led them to believe it’s in their interest to pause the advance in some areas to do some back-clearing and make sure their flanks and their rear are clear of ISIS," Dorrian told reporters.
Dorrian said the move was not unexpected and did not represent a shift in the operation strategy. "After a couple days of refit, resupply, repositioning, I think they’ll be moving forward again," he stated.
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