Kurdish forces cite U.S. support is defeat of ISIL forces in Mosul

Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Islamic State of Iraq and Levant was said to have come under increasing military pressure around its headquarters in northern Iraq.

Kurdish forces have claimed major gains around ISIL’s stronghold in Mosul. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan has reported the death of at least 33 ISIL fighters in and around Mosul on Nov. 24 in what was regarded as one of the biggest defeats for the Sunni jihadist movement.

Kurdish forces in Mosul have made gains with the support of U.S. air strikes. / NBCnews.com

Kurdish forces in Mosul have made gains with the support of U.S. air strikes. / NBCnews.com

“Twenty Islamist fighters were killed early Monday [Nov. 24] in clashes with the Peshmerga Kurdish forces in Ba’shiqah Mountain, 14 kilometers northeast of Mosul,” PUK spokesman Ghayath Al Surji said.

In remarks to the Spanish news agency Efe, Al Surij said ISIL units attacked forces of the Kurdish Regional Government in the Bashqiya mountain. He said the fighting lasted four hours, but did not cite Kurdish casualties.

Kurdish sources said Western military training and equipment have bolstered their combat abilities. They also cited the daily air strikes by the U.S.-led coalition on ISIL strongholds and convoys in northern Iraq.

One of the ISIL casualties was identified as Abu Hosam. Abu Hosam, killed in fighting in Tel Afar, was said to have been a regional ISIL commander.

The Iraq Army has reported gains in battles in the northeastern province of Diyala. Officials said Kurdish forces joined the army and police in heavy fighting to recapture the towns of Saadiya and Jalawla.

Source Article from http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/11/26/kurdish-forces-cite-u-s-support-defeat-isil-forces-mosul/

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