5 Iraqi soldiers killed in clashes near Mosul

By Ahmed Qassim and Serhad Shakir

NINEVEH, Iraq (AA) – Five Iraqi soldiers were killed Tuesday in clashes with the Daesh terrorist group in Qayyarah district, south of Mosul, according to a military officer.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Army Captain Mohannad al-Shewili said the clashes continued overnight in the Daesh-held Imam Gharbi village.

In August, Iraqi forces recaptured Qayyarah, some 60 kilometers south of Mosul, from Daesh after a 7-month long besiege that was followed by two months of fierce clashes.

Daesh militants, however, managed to capture the Imam Gharbi village from Iraqi forces on July 5.

On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi formally declared victory against Daesh in Mosul, which was overrun by the terrorist group in 2014.