Iraqi PM commands air strikes on IS bases inside Syria

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Premier of Iraq Haider al-Abadi ordered the Iraqi air force to strike the Islamic State (IS) bases inside Syria in retaliation for the recent bomb attacks in Baghdad.

Abadi issued the orders to the Iraqi forces fighting the extremist group in western Mosul. One of the commands demanded that the Iraqi air force target IS bases in Syria.

"We are determined to chase terrorism that attempts to kill our sons and citizens wherever it is found, so we gave orders to the air force command to strike Islamic State positions in Hosaiba and Albu Kamal inside Syrian territory as they were responsible for recent bombings in Baghdad,” read the statement of the Iraqi Premier.

Abadi also asked the Iraqi troops to put most of their efforts in freeing and protecting civilians by opening safe corridors for their exits.  

He called on the security forces to protect the government and non-government facilities as well as public and private properties.

In another part of the statement, Abadi asked the military forces to increase the quality of strikes on IS locations and prevent the IS senior leaders from escaping the area.

Moreover, he sent a message to IS members to drop their weapons and surrender before facing death.

On Feb. 19, Iraqi security forces launched a military operation to retake the western part of Mosul, controlled by the IS since June 2014.

So far, the troops have controlled Mosul Airport, one of the strategic locations in the western part of the city.

Editing by Ava Homa