Iraqi Army takes control of official Mosul TV station

The Iraqi Army's special forces have captured the headquarters of Mosul's local television station, military sources announced on Tuesday.

The broadcasting building is located in Mosul's Gogjali district, considered one of the main access points that would allow allied forces to enter the Islamic State's bastion in northern Iraq from the east, EFE news reported.

Lieutenant General Talib Shagati, Chief of Iraqi Joint Operations, told journalists at Bartella base that "taking Mosul's television means taking the city".

Shagati said that clashes with IS fighters were still ongoing in the area, although Iraqi troops are already set to enter the adjacent al-Quds neighbourhood in the onslaught on Mosul from the eastern front.

"At this moment, our troops are inside Mosul's state television building. It's good news for the people of Mosul because we have now really started the city's liberation," Shagati added.

The offensive to liberate Mosul from IS control was launched on October 17.

The IS conquered Mosul in June 2014, when it also proclaimed a so-called "caliphate" in the territories under its control in northern Iraq and eastern Syria.

--IANS

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