Speaking to IQNA, Afshin Gholami noted that the terrorist group employed various tactics to terrorize the people and used civilians as human shields against advancing Iraqi troops.
He said efforts should be made to enhance the spirit of unity and solidarity among the people, who have been seriously affected by war, extremism and violence.
Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19.
Only a small portion of the Old City, a densely-populated warren of narrow alleyways situated in the western part of the city, is in Daesh’s hands and its full liberation is predicted to be achieved in coming days.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told reporters last week that the months-long battle to free Mosul had shown that people of Mosul rejected the militants.
Gholami told IQNA that some 99 percent of the city has been liberated from Daesh.
The Iraqi army forces take utmost caution to avoid harming civilians, he said, adding that it has made it a bit difficult for the army to advance.
He also noted that the terrorist group has planted improvised explosive devices (IED), mines and bombs in the city’s buildings and roads defusing which takes a lot of time.