Iraq PM announces offensive to retake Daesh bastion

By Osman al-Shalash

SALADIN, Iraq (AA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi on Tuesday announced the launch of a military offensive to retake the Daesh-held Shirqat district, south of the northern city of Mosul.

In a televised statement, al-Abadi – who is currently in New York to attend the annual meetings of the United Nations General Assembly – said Iraqi forces will also liberate Hit and Ramadi districts in western Iraq.

Shirqat is the last Daesh stronghold in the northern Saladin province and is considered a gateway to the Nineveh province.

Iraq’s security situation has deteriorated rapidly since mid-2014, when Daesh captured Mosul, the country’s second largest city, along with vast swathes of territory in northern and western Iraq.

In recent months, the Iraqi army -- backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and local allies on the ground -- has since managed to retake most of the territory. Nevertheless, the terrorist group remains in firm control of several parts of the country, including Mosul.

Iraqi officials have vowed to recapture Mosul from Daesh militants by the end of the year.