Greetings from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington, DC. In this special edition of Iraq Update, you will find stories about the ongoing efforts to liberate Mosul, Daesh's (or ISIS) last remanining stronghold in Iraq. We also invite you to like the Embassy on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Visit our website here.

Updates From the Iraqi Joint Special Operations Command

Southern Axis, Federal Police Forces
Federal police forces successfully liberated the villages of Nijeirah and Bakhierah, north of the Hammam Al-Aleel district. They also continued sweeping, securing and demining the area in preparation for locals’ return.

Southeastern Axis, 9th Armored Division and 1st Division's 3rd Brigade
The combating units entered the Al-Intisar neighborhood and Judadat Al-Mufti as they cut off road access between Kirkuk and Mosul.

Eastern Axis, Counterterrorism Forces
Forces successfully entered the left side of the city and entered the surrounding areas of Al-Karamah, the Al-Khadhraa apartment complex, Al-Zagraa, Kirkukly, Eden and Al-Thahabi.

Northern Axis, 16th Infantry Division
Iraqi fighters successfully liberated Biewaiza, entered Al-Sadah and opened another path to Al-Sadah.

Western Axis, Public Mobilization Forces
The forces continued inspecting and sweeping liberated villages as well as securing the road connecting Al-Hadhar to the Aein Al-Jahash area.

Iraqi Forces Fighting Islamic State Nearing Mosul Airport
Reuters

Iraqi security forces drove Islamic State fighters from the center of a town just south of the militants' main stronghold of Mosul on Saturday and reached within a few miles of an airport on the edge of the city, a senior commander said. Lieutenant-General Raed Shakir Jawdat said security forces were in control of the center of Hammam al-Alil, about 15 km (10 miles) south of Mosul. The advance on the southern front comes days after Iraqi Special Forces fought their way into the eastern side of Mosul, taking control of six neighborhoods and restoring a foothold in the city.

Islamic State Is Under Double-Barrel Siege in Mosul and Now in Raqqah
The Los Angeles Times

In 2014, when the Islamic State routed its onetime rebel allies from Raqqah, the eastern Syrian city that would become its de facto capital, it was the first stage of a blitz that would bust through the border to Iraq and seize the city of Mosul. But on Sunday, as Iraqi forces continued to advance through Mosul’s neighborhoods, US-backed militias announced an operation to oust ISIS from Raqqah.

Iraqi Families Fleeing Mosul Reunite in Khazir Refugee Camp
NRT

Iraqis fleeing the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul reunited with their loved ones on Saturday at the Khazir refugee camp, located in the city’s east. Some families, who had not seen one another for more than two years, met at the site for an emotional reunion. Men, women and children were seen hugging and kissing as many more waited anxiously outside the camp's fence.

Islamic State Using Human Shields to Slow Iraqi Advance into Mosul
Associated Press

As Islamic State fighters launched counterattacks Saturday against Iraqi Special Forces in eastern Mosul, civilians emerged from the front lines waving white flags. There were fresh indications that other residents were being held back by the militants to be used as human shields. “Daesh have continued to hide behind civilians and facilitate harm to them,” said Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the US-led coalition, which has been launching airstrikes to aid the Iraqi advance. He said Iraqi forces and the coalition “developed a plan that is intended to reduce the possibility of civilian casualties and collateral damage.”

Video: CNN Reporter Trapped in Deadly ISIS Attack
CNN

For more than 28 hours, CNN's Arwa Damon and photojournalist Brice Laine were with Iraqi Special Forces during their push into ISIS-held Mosul. Click here to watch the video.