More than 800 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in areas around Mosul, northern Iraq in February by Kurdish forces and international coalition airstrikes.
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Mosul spokesman Saed Mamuzini told local media, “In February alone, 804 IS insurgents were killed in areas inside and around Mosul. Some were killed by coalition airstrikes while Peshmerga accounted for the rest.
“Since the start of this war with Islamic State in Iraq, IS has not suffered such a high number of casualties. In their communications with emirs [leaders], the militants have noted these big losses,” said Mamuzini.
On Sunday, an anonymous Peshmerga commander said, “Today, there were heavy clashes between jihadists and Peshmerga forces in the Tl-Reem area.
“Peshmerga forces surrounded IS insurgents and clashes continued into the afternoon. 15 insurgents’ bodies were left at the frontline as coalition jets shelled their bases,” said the commander.
He revealed that on Saturday 17 extremists surrendered themselves to the Peshmerga without taking part in any clashes. “They surrendered themselves and their weapons to commander Najat Ali in Makhmour.”
The commander claimed that more insurgents wanted to surrender, but were shelled by the coalition jets before they had the chance.
Another Peshmerga officer said, “Jets have heavily shelled IS bases in Kazakani, near the Khazir front.”
He claims that the planes are flying longer missions, targeting bases in the area with greater accurac.
Source: BasNews
