Iraqi forces recapture Tell el Semak village east of Tal Afar

BAGHDAD - 20 August 2017: Iraqi security forces, backed by Al Hashd Al Shaabi fighters, have retaken control of Tell el Semak village east of Tal Afar city in northwestern Iraq, a military commander announced.

Also, the Iraqi troops and Al Hashd Al Shaabi elements have recaptured the southern part of Zambar Mountain in eastern Tal Afar, Commander of “We Are Coming, Tal Afar” operation Lieutenant General Abdul Ameer Rasheed Yarallah said on Sunday.

Tal Afar-Al Mahlbia road was cut off and the Iraqi flag was raised over liberated areas as Daesh terrorist group incurred heavy losses and casualties, he added.

Iraqi forces on Sunday launched an assault to retake the northern city of Tal Afar from Daesh group, after driving out its militants from Mosul last month.

Tal Afar lies around 70 kilometres west of Mosul, which Iraqi forces recaptured in early July in a major blow to the terrorist group.

In a televised speech early Sunday, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, announced "the start of an operation to free Tal Afar".

"I am saying to Daesh that there's no choice other than to leave or be killed," he said.