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Iraq launches ‘Battle for Mosul’

A number of forces are partaking in the battle including the US-led coalition, which includes British forces, Iranian armed forces, Shia Mobilisation Forces, Sunni tribal factions and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters

October 17, 2016 at 10:44 am

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi late last night announced the start of the operation to liberate the northern city of Mosul from Daesh.

Preparations for the offensive have been ongoing for months.

Al-Abadi declared the start of the “Battle for Mosul” in a televised speech broadcast on Al Iraqiya channel where he stood wearing a military uniform accompanied by a number of military commanders.

Speaking from the headquarters of the Joint Operations, he said the aim of the battle was to liberate the city from the grip of Daesh.

“The hour of liberation has come and today we announce the start of the operation to liberate the city of Mosul from the control of the Daesh terrorist group.”

He called on the people of Mosul to cooperate with the Iraqi forces. “These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake. God willing, we shall win.”

Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said: “This operation to regain control of Iraq’s second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer.”

In a statement, US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter said: “The United States and the rest of the international coalition stand ready to support Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead. We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL’s hatred and brutality,” using another name for Daesh.

A number of forces are partaking in the battle including the US-led coalition, which includes British forces, Iranian armed forces, Shia Mobilisation Forces, Sunni tribal factions and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

Members of the Turkish army have also been in Iraq in preparation for the offensive training local forces; however the Iraqi government has said that they are not welcome to join the battle. Turkey has said that it will take part in freeing Mosul of Daesh even without the Iraqi government’s approval.

Reports state that the towns of Hamam Alil and Namrud in southern Mosul and a further eight villages along the Khazir front have already been recaptured by the Iraqi army and forces fighting with it.

Daesh has also reportedly set oil wells in Hamdaniya on fire in an effort to create huge columns of smoke and hinder the progress of Iraqi and Peshmerga forces and reduce visibility for airstrikes.

Where is Mosul?

Mosul is the second biggest city in Iraq. It is located in the north of the country.

What is happening there?

Since June 2014 it has been under the control of Daesh.

What’s happening now?

Iraqi and Kurdish forces, backed by an international coalition which is led by the US, are battling to recapture the city from Daesh.

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