Iraqi leaders visit Makhmour frontline to prepare for Mosul

Politicians from Baghdad visited the Makhmour frontline as the Iraqi army prepares for the Mosul offensive, which the political leadership vow will happen this year.

 

Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obaidi and Salim al-Jabouri, Iraqi Parliament Speaker, have both visited the commanders on the Nineveh frontlines in recent days to familiarize themselves with the details of the Mosul operation.

 

“As we, Mr. Prime Minister, and military officials have said, and we will say it again, 2016 will be the year of ending ISIS in Mosul and other areas [in Iraq],” Obaidi told reporters in Makhmour.

 

Jabouri stressed that humanitarian concerns must remain a top priority. It is expected that one million people will flee the city when the assault begins; half will likely seek refuge in the Kurdistan Region where preparations for their anticipated arrival are underway.

 

At least two Peshmerga brigades will also participate in the city’s liberation.

 

Mosul has been the Islamic State’s stronghold in Iraq since June 2014 when its militants attacked from Syria and routed out the Iraqi army and government institutions.