Iraqi military commanders say their forces have seized full control of Mosul's university from the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, the latest key advance in efforts to recapture the eastern side of the city.
"This great scientific and cultural building was liberated by the heroes," the head of Iraq's Counterterrorism Service (CTS), Lieutenant General Talib Shaghati, said on January 14.
The university campus lies in the north of Mosul on the east bank of the Tigris River that splits the city in two.
IS militants have used the university grounds as a base, and Iraqi officials say that they also used the laboratories to make chemical weapons.
Military forces have been attempting to retake Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in Iraq, since October.
CTS Major General Maan Saadi said Iraqi forces may recapture the city's eastern half “in the next 10 days or so."
Iraqi Forces Retake Mosul University From Islamic State, Officials Say
Updated
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