Defense Minister: Mosul liberation is close

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – Iraqi Defense Minister announced on Wednesday that the military operation to liberate Mosul from Islamic State control will begin sooner than initially expected.

Khaled al-Obaidi, in a broadcast speech for the ninety-fifth anniversary of the Iraqi army stated that the next military stage will witness a significant battle to retake other Islamic State-held territories in Iraq, confirming that previous battles were done by “Iraqi hands and minds alone.”

“The army has passed difficult stage[s] and is now [improving] and develop[ing]...for the next stage. However, the victories are not complete until the displaced people[s] are returned to their liberated areas,” Obaidi added.

Referring to the deployment of foreign troops inside Iraqi territory, Obaidi said “Iraq’s sovereignty and dignity is the red line for any side [who] tries to cross it under any circumstances or justification.”

On December 4, 2015, Turkey deployed hundreds of troops to the Zelkan military base near Bashiqa in Nineveh Province in order to train Sunni forces. As a result, the Iraqi government demanded an immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

Elsewhere, US spokesman for the international coalition, Colonel Steve Warren announced on Wednesday in a press conference that, “The Iraqi security forces will pick where the next significant battle is… it’s their decision to make. The coalition is here to provide, advise, train, [and offer] air power for them.”

Warren said that coalition warplanes will keep targeting Islamic State tactical units and leaders. In terms of lost territory, “Islamic State has lost between 20-22 thousands square kilometers in Iraq,” Warren added.