Iraqi forces worked to clear bombs and flush out any remaining ‘jihadists’ in retaken areas of west Mosul Wednesday to set the stage for an offensive against the Old City.

Supported by US-led air strikes, the forces have made steady progress in their battle to seize Iraq’s second city from the ISIL group, announcing the recapture of two more areas on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi vowed he would “not hesitate” to strike ‘jihadists’ in neighboring countries as well if they posed a threat, after Iraq carried out air raids in Syria last month.

Source: AFP