Iraqi forces liberate areas west of Tal Afar hours after launch of operations

Hours after announcing the launch of Tal Afar battle, Iraqi forces have liberated restricted areas in the west of Tal Afar, reported an Al Arabiya correspondent while quoting Raed Jawdat’s team.

READ ALSO: Iraq launches operations to retake Tal Afar from ISIS

Jawdat also announced that federal police forces of the mechanized brigade and the elite commandos assigned the militias of the popular crows, regained control of certain regions.

They continue to advance into the western axis, he added.

Abadi announces start of operations

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announce in the early hours of Sunday morning the start of military operations to restore the city of Tal Afar, the last ISIS stronghold in the northern governorate of Nineveh.

In a televised statement, Abadi said: “Here are the heroes preparing to liberate Tal Afar.” He continued saying: “To ISIS, I tell you this, you have no choice but to surrender, or die.”

Abadi explained that all Iraqi forces including the federal army, police, anti-terror forces, popular militia and local forces will participate in the military operation, with the support of the International Coalition.