Iraqi forces take landmark mosque in Mosul blown up by ISIL

The mosque is symbolic – from its pulpit, ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in July 2014 declared a self-styled 'caliphate' on ISIL-held territories in Syria and Iraq.

Above, the destroyed Al Hadba minaret at Grand Al Nuri mosque, left, as seen from an Iraqi-held position in Mosul, Iraq. Erik De Castro / Reuters
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MOSUL // An Iraqi commander said his forces have taken Mosul’s landmark Al Nuri Mosque compound that was destroyed by ISIL last week.

Lt Gen Abdul Wahab al-Saadi said special forces entered the compound and took control of the surrounding streets on Thursday afternoon, following a dawn push into the area.

Earlier, special forces Maj Ge. Sami Al Aridi warned the site will need to be cleared by engineering teams as ISIL fighters likely rigged it with explosives.

Iraqi forces are pushing through the last ISIL-held neighbourhood in Mosul, the so-called Old City, to the west of the Tigris River.

The mosque is symbolic — from its pulpit, ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in July 2014 declared a self-styled “caliphate” on ISIL-held territories in Syria and Iraq.

* Associated Press