IS under pressure in Mosul to surrender or die: Coalition spokesperson

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – A US-led coalition spokesperson on Tuesday reassured the war against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq would end in the enemy’s defeat or surrender.

Speaking to Kurdistan24 during a live broadcast interview, US Army Colonel John L. Dorrian spoke about the ongoing offensive against IS in Mosul.

Dorrian explained that although the length of the Mosul battle was unclear, he was confident it would end in defeat for the insurgents.

“It would be inappropriate for me to estimate the length of the [Mosul] battle,” he said. “But I will tell you with absolute certainty what the result is going to be.”

“The enemy will either surrender, or they are going to be killed,” Dorrian continued.

The Army Colonel also pointed to the responsibility of the Peshmerga in the war with IS, reiterating the “key role” the Kurdish forces continue to play.

“The role of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Peshmerga forces now is to block the enemy so that they can’t escape to the north,” he explained.

The coalition spokesperson added the Peshmerga’s participation in the defeat of IS in Mosul was an “essential part of the campaign.”

“[Peshmerga’s support] has allowed the Iraqi security forces to approach the city and to breach into the city safely,” Dorrian stated.

Moreover, the Colonel was optimistic of the continued cooperation between Iraqi security forces and the Peshmerga and said he “[expected] it to continue in the days ahead.”

Additionally, Dorrian discussed the US’ role in Syria stating the coalition would continue to support and coordinate with forces defeating insurgents in northern Syria.

Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces launched the Mosul operation on Oct. 17, 2016, with support from US-led coalition air strikes.

Editing by Ava Homa