The Governor of Niniveh, Atheel al-Nijaifi, denied reports that the district of Shura, 45 km south of Mosul, has fallen to armed groups. Governor al-Nijaifi told NINA on Sunday, Jan. 5, that about 20 gunmen attacked on Sunday the Shura district, clashing with police. The clash resulted in the killing and wounding a number of gunmen and police elements. He added that it is not true that the district has fallen, as been reported by some media; pointing out that the district is under the control of security forces. Governor Nijaifi went on saying that about 18 gunmen are killed and arrested others; the district is now under the full control of police and the situation in it is stable