President Barzani, US Defense Secretary discuss Mosul operation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region President and the United States Secretary of Defense on Wednesday spoke over the phone emphasizing the continued coordination between Peshmerga forces, Iraqi army, and the US-led Coalition.

Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, and Ashton Carter, the US Defense Secretary, had a conversation over the phone to discuss the latest developments in the Mosul offensive.

Moreover, the pair addressed the prospects of continuing the coordination between partners who were fighting the Islamic State (IS).

According to a statement released on the Kurdistan Region Presidency (KRP) website, Carter congratulated President Barzani on the victories of Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army against IS.

Additionally, the US Secretary of Defense praised the positive coordination and joint work between Kurdish forces and the Iraqi army.

“Both sides stressed the need and importance of continuous coordination between the coalition, Peshmerga, and the Iraqi army, and particularly between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi security forces,” the KRP statement added.

President Barzani and Carter exchanged ideas on the steps required to liberate Mosul and its surrounding areas, and described the stages of the operation as successful so far, the statement said.

President Barzani thanked the people, government, and the US army for supporting Peshmerga in the war against terrorism, the statement continued.

On July 12, 2016, the Kurdistan Region and the US signed a memorandum of understanding for the assistance of Peshmerga.

The memorandum made references to military and financial support for the Kurdish forces and also related to some of the details of the Mosul operation.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany