ISIS has been continuing its assaults on the Iraqi Armed Forces in Mosul and its vicinity after 5 months of fierce battles since the launch of the operation to retake this city supported by the US-led coalition.
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) targeted an Iraqi SWAT gathering this morning in the outskirts of Rajm al-Hadeed district in western Mosul. The attack resulted in the destruction of a bulldozer and an Abrams battle tank.
In a similar development, ISIS declared that it detonated two explosive-laden homes in the New Mosul district after Iraqi forces captured the area.
Separately, ISIS forces attempted to storm Iraqi Army positions in Al-Badriyah village southwest of Mosul. The assault was a failure even with the use of two powerful VBIEDs.
ISIS also resumed its use of armed drones west of Tal Afar targeting a truck belonging to the Pouplar Mobilization Units (PMU).
Despite constant ISIS couunter-attacks, the Iraqi Army maintains control of all points it captured up to this point. Mines and booby-traps hinder the progress of the counterterrorist forces. ISIS actively uses locals as human shields and a large number of suicide bombers hide in the crowded districts.
ISIS uses an armed drone against a PMU truck near Tal Afar:
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