The Islamic State's Stronghold Of Tal Afar Is On The Verge Of Falling To Iraqi Forces

Reuters: Islamic State's stronghold Tal Afar about to fall: Iraqi military

TAL AFAR, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi forces are about to take full control of Tal Afar, Islamic State’s stronghold in northwestern Iraq, in a swift campaign against the outnumbered, exhausted militants, an Iraqi military spokesman said on Saturday.

The quick collapse of Islamic State in Tal Afar, a breeding ground for jihadist groups in Iraq, confirmed Iraqi military reports that the militants lack command and control structures in the areas west of Mosul.

Up to 2,000 militants were believed to be defending Tal Afar when the U.S.-backed campaign to take back the city started on Aug. 20. The attacking forces were estimated at 50,000, according to western military sources.

“Tal Afar city is about to fall completely into the hands of our forces, only five percent remains” under Islamic State’s control, a military spokesman told Reuters.

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More News On Reports That The Islamic State's Stronghold Of Tal Afar Is On The Verge Of Falling To Iraqi Forces

Tal Afar battle: Iraqi forces 'dealing with final IS pockets' -- BBC
Iraq retakes Tal Afar centre, citadel from IS -- AFP
FM says Iraqi forces have taken 70 percent of Tal Afar -- FOX News/AP
Tal Afar city centre recaptured from IS group, say Iraqi forces -- France 24
Iraqi forces recapture large portion of Tal Afar center from 'Islamic State' -- DW
Islamic State's Stronghold Tal Afar About to Fall: Iraqi Military -- New York Times
UPDATED: Iraqi forces take citadel, clear 5 more districts in Tal Afar -- RUDAW
Iraqi forces 'capture majority of Tal Afar' from ISIL -- Al Jazeera
Iraqi Forces Recapture '70 percent' Of Tal Afar From IS Militants -- RFE
Iraqi Foreign Minister Says Army Liberated 70% of Tal Afar From Daesh -- Sputnik
Iraq war: Why the battle for Tal Afar matters -- Joan Soley, BBC