Story highlights Former politician tells CNN that 17 senior ISIS fighters were killed

Mosul University -- considered an ISIS base -- was hit, but no students were there

Irbil, Iraq (CNN) Airstrikes targeting ISIS fighters struck Mosul and surrounding areas over the weekend, sources tell CNN.

CNN could not immediately independently verify the specifics of the claims, as the strikes hit inside ISIS-held territory.

Seven airstrikes were conducted near Mosul over the weekend, according to news releases from the Combined Joint Task Force carrying out coalition airstrikes.

Reports surfaced that Mosul University -- considered a base for ISIS fighters -- was hit.

CNN confirmed the strikes with two sources: someone inside Mosul University and with Athil Al Nujayfi, the former governor of Nineveh province, where Mosul is located.

Read More