An Iraqi commander expects to dislodge Islamic State from Mosul in May despite resistance from militants in the densely populated Old City district. The Yazidis, whose beliefs combine elements of several Middle Eastern religions, were the most persecuted community under Islamic State which considered them devil-worshippers. Iraqi forces estimate the number of Islamic State fighters still in Mosul at 200 to 300, mostly foreigners, down from nearly 6,000 when the offensive started. The total number of people displaced from Mosul since October is close to 400,000, about a fifth of the population before its capture by Islamic State. Even if defeated in Mosul, Islamic State will remain in control of vast swathes of land in the border area with Syria.

Source: Egypt Independent May 01, 2017 12:56 UTC