Some 3,000 Turkish-trained forces participate in Mosul operation

Some 3,000 Iraqi forces trained by Turkey are taking part in a US-led operation to drive Daesh from the Iraqi city of Mosul, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said today.

Earlier, military sources told Reuters about half of the 3,000 Turkish-trained forces were participating, while the other half were being kept in reserve.

Turkey has been locked in a row with Iraq’s central government over the presence of Turkish troops at a camp in northern Iraq and over who should take part in the assault on Mosul.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi announced the start of the “Battle for Mosul” late last night. The US-led coalition, Iranian forces, Shia Mobilisation Forces and Sunni fighters are all partaking in the effort to liberate the city.

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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