pIraqi military forces conducted numerous air raids, bombarding Islamic State military positions inside Mosul’s Old City on May 22 with rockets, artillery shelling, and mortar fire.ppThe bombardment came ahead of an Iraqi ground offensivea in the Old City expected to be launched in the coming days.ppFollowing the capture of the Tamuz 17 and Najjar neighborhoodsa in northwestern Mosul on May 22, the Old City and its environs remain the last bastion of IS-held territory inside the city. That said, Iraqi forces fought IS militants in and around the Old City, struggling to gain additional territory for several monthsa.