Iraqi defense chief survives ISIS mortar attack

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi survived an Islamic State (ISIS) mortar attack on his convoy in southern Mosul on Monday.

 

“Near to Imam Gharbi village between Qayara air base and Najla area, the convoy of Khalid Obeidi, the Iraqi defense minister, was hit by an ISIS mortar attack,” read an announcement released by the minister’s office Monday evening.

 

As stated in the announcement, Obeidi’s guards immediately retaliated, firing at ISIS positions from where they had launched the mortar shells against the minister’s vehicles.

 

No casualties were reported, but there was some damage to vehicles in the convoy.

 

A source from the defense ministry revealed that a mortar hit the minister’s bulletproof armored vehicle.

 

On Monday, Obeidi, alongside several high-ranking army officials, visited Nineveh Operation Center in Makhmour where he, in a press conference, explained the latest developments on the ground against ISIS.

 

He said in the press conference that “The Iraqi army and security forces have geared up to clear a few remaining areas held by ISIS in Anbar province.”

 

Concerning coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi forces on the battlefield, the minister was positive, saying, “We have a strong coordination with the KRG. The Peshmerga and the Iraqis are helping each other on the battlefields against ISIS.”