BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces repelled a major counterattack by Daesh (ISIS) fighters at dawn Wednesday in a district south of the Old City of Mosul, a police commander said.

Dozens of Daesh fighters were killed in the operation to push back the militants, many of whom wore suicide vests, the commander told Reuters.

Residents said the militants seized a number of blocks in the Danadan district of the northern Iraqi city before being driven out in fierce clashes.

“Terrorists came from the Old City and attacked our forces using mortars and sniper shots. They managed to temporarily seize some buildings but we forced them to retreat after shelling their positions,” a federal police officer said.