President Barzani: Mosul to be liberated by end of 2016

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani stated on Friday that the military plan to free Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) is ready and the city will be captured before the end of 2016.

Kurdish Peshmerga forces, backed by the international coalition against IS will launch the military operation but the role of the Iraqi militia groups has not been determined yet, Barzani said in an interview with France 24.

"There have been several meetings between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army commanders. They have finally agreed on the military plan and the role of each side in the operation," Barzani stated.

On June 2014, IS occupied Mosul, the second-largest city in Iraq located in the north of the country. 

Since then, Peshmerga forces have liberated large swaths of territories from the jihadist group including the west, north and east of the Nineveh Province.

Commenting on the timing to launch Mosul offensive, Barzani stated that the time had not been set but according to Iraqi commanders, it will begin in late October.

He also mentioned that both Sunni and Shia militia groups have decided to take part in Mosul operation, but no role has been given to them yet.

"Regarding the Hashid Shaabi or the Hashid Watani, there must be an understanding between these forces and the people of the Mosul area. Until now that does not exist," he said.

Moreover, Barzani added that it is possible to free Mosul by the end of 2016 but the post-liberation period must be planned for.

"It is very important for us to have certain guarantees that this tragedy will not be repeated in the future,” he stated, noting that Erbil must agree with Baghdad and with the locals about how they can ensure Mosul would not be occupied once more.

On Thursday, Barzani held a press conference with Kurdish journalists in Paris after meeting French President Francois Hollande. Barzani mainly discussed Kurdish independence referendum and stated that no country is against it.

Editing by Ava Homa