Iraqi forces drive ISIS from town south of Mosul
Iraqi commanders say their forces have driven ISIS militants out of a town south of Mosul, but small-scale clashes were still ongoing and the militants left behind explosive booby-traps.
Brig. Gen. Firas Bashar said Saturday that his forces were still clearing explosives and searching for ISIS fighters in Shura, hours after an assault that began with a wave of airstrikes and heavy artillery, which was still echoing in the distance as he spoke.
The initial advance into the village was blocked by small arms fire and IS snipers. Twin columns of Federal Police and Iraqi army Humvees ground to a halt as artillery shelled militant positions and attack helicopters hovered overhead. At least half a dozen families remained in the town through the offensive and emerged when the fighting died down.
