DESPERATE LAST STAND
Video filmed by young boy shows frenzied ISIS jihadis screaming as they open fire on Iraqi troops with assault rifles inside Mosul flat
THIS footage reveals the desperation of ISIS's last stand inside the war-scarred city of Mosul.
Taken by a young boy, two extremist fighters are filmed aimlessly firing their assault rifles from the upstairs window of a building.
5
5
5
In the distance, Iraqi special forces are beginning their assault to liberate the besieged western half of the vast city.
The two jihadis continue to fire their dilapidated guns as smoke begins to pour from the weapons.
All the while, the pair scream ";Allahu Akhbar" as they release short bursts of gunfire through the window.
Related stories
A young boy, no older than 12, later appears singing a song praising the death of anti-ISIS fighters, in footage obtained by .
His fate is unknown.
Iraqi forces are being assisted by US special forces, who fear a suicidal bloodbath in the western half of Mosul.
The country's third city is the group's last major toehole in Iraq and top brass fear the remaining jihadis could fight to the death.
The desperation of this gun battle does little to dispel fears they will do so.
First, liberating forces must cross the great Tigris River which splits Mosul in two.
5
5
Yet speaking to Sky, head of the Iraqi operation General Abdul Wahab al Saadi said he believes the assault could prove easier than thought with many of ISIS's top men killed.
He said: "They are good with vehicle IEDs but it takes five minutes to kill them. The people left are locals, it will not be difficult."
One problem Iraqi forces must overcome are increasing tensions with the US.
Iraqi politicians have already pledged to ban US citizens after Donald Trump enforced a 90-day 'Muslim ban' on citizens from seven nations including Iraq.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368
Topics