Iraqi forces retake Daesh-controlled Al-Shifa district in Mosul
A general view on destroyed houses in the old city area of western Mosul, Iraq, 30 June 2017. (EPA Photo)


Iraqi forces have fully captured Al-Shifa district near Mosul's Old City from Daesh terrorist group, according to a top police commander.

In a televised statement on Saturday, federal police commander Lieutenant General Raed Jawdat said his forces have reached the banks of the Tigris River.

Al-Shifa district was the last district held by Daesh outside Mosul's Old City.

The Iraqi military remains engaged in a wide-ranging campaign -- launched last October -- to recapture the entire city of Mosul, which Daesh overran in mid-2014.

On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced the collapse of Daesh statelet in Mosul.