Iraq launches offensive on last islamic state stronghold in mosul

On June 29, 2017, the Iraqi government launched a major offensive to retake the last remaining stronghold of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Mosul, Iraq. The operation, code-named "Fatah" (Victory), aimed to recapture the Old City, a densely populated and historic neighborhood that had been under ISIS control for nearly three years.

The offensive was led by the Iraqi Army's 9th Armored Division, backed by federal police, counter-terrorism forces, and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters. The Iraqi Air Force and international coalition aircraft provided air support, conducting airstrikes against ISIS positions and infrastructure.

The battle was expected to be intense and challenging, as ISIS fighters had dug in and prepared defensive positions in the narrow streets and ancient buildings of the Old City. The area was also home to many civilians, who had been trapped by the fighting and were at risk of being caught in the crossfire.

The Iraqi government had been making steady progress in its campaign to retake Mosul from ISIS, which had seized the city in June 2014. In October 2016, Iraqi forces launched a major offensive to retake the city, and by June 2017, they had recaptured most of Mosul's eastern and western districts.

However, the Old City remained a major challenge, due to its dense population and the presence of ISIS fighters who had dug in and prepared defensive positions. The Iraqi government had been working to evacuate civilians from the area, but many remained trapped, and the fighting was expected to be intense and bloody.

The offensive was launched with a massive artillery bombardment, followed by a ground assault by Iraqi forces. The fighting was fierce, with both sides suffering casualties. The Iraqi military reported that it had killed and wounded many ISIS fighters, while also suffering losses of its own.

On July 9, 2017, Iraqi forces announced that they had captured the Old City, marking a major victory in the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS. The recapture of the Old City was a significant milestone in the campaign, as it marked the end of ISIS's control over the city and the beginning of the process of rebuilding and reconstruction.

The recapture of Mosul was a major blow to ISIS, which had lost its last major stronghold in Iraq. The group was forced to retreat to rural areas, where it continued to carry out guerrilla attacks and suicide bombings. However, the loss of Mosul marked a significant turning point in the war against ISIS, and paved the way for the eventual defeat of the group in Iraq and Syria.