The archaeological museum was a focus of worldwide attention after it was seized by Islamic State militants, who used sledgehammers and drills to smash artifacts in its collection. “The international coalition’s airstrikes and drones have played a major role in accelerating the liberation of the city.”2 Iraqi government-controlled 1 Eastern Mosul ISIS-controlled Western Mosul 2 Mosul Tigris Baghdad IRAQ 1 IRAQ Hamam al-Alil 10 Miles 2 Iraqi govt.-controlled 1 Eastern Mosul ISIS-controlled 2 Western Mosul Tigris 1 10 Miles Hamam al-AlilIt was not yet clear how lasting the gains would be. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyThe museum remained within the range of Islamic State snipers, making it vulnerable to a counterattack. Social media accounts associated with the Islamic State reported that militants had set off three suicide bombs during the offensive. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyThough the military advances were tenuous, government forces said that Tuesday marked a critical moment in their weekslong offensive to retake western Mosul.

Source: New York Times March 07, 2017 11:58 UTC