SOFIA —Iraqi security forces stormed a stronghold building that was used by Islamic State (IS) suicide bombers in western Mosul, killing at least 30 of the extremist group members, a counter-terrorism officer said on Sunday.

According to Colonel Hashim Fadel Iraqi forces from the elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) stormed a building on Sunday that was used by IS suicide bombers as a stronghold in the areas of Souq al-Maash, located in western Mosul.

The government forces managed to kill more than 30 IS suicide bombers, after entering the building and confronting the extremists, Fadel further added.

The Iraqi forces continue advancing against the IS militants in western Mosul, after liberating the entire easter part of the city in the beginning of this year. The operation for liberating the northern Iraqi city of Mosul was launched by the Iraqi government backed by the US-led coalition in October 2016.