Iraqi forces retake Daesh-held northern town: Officials

By Othman al-Shalash

SALADIN, Iraq (AA) - Iraqi security forces on Thursday recaptured the town of Al-Shirqat in the northern Saladin province from members of the Daesh terrorist group, according to military officials.

"Army forces are now in control of Al-Shirqat’s city center and are clearing the area [of Daesh elements]," Juma Enad, the chief of army operations in Saladin, said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced the launch of a military operation aimed at recapturing Al-Shirqat, the terrorist group’s last remaining stronghold in Saladin.

With a population of roughly 200,000, Al-Shirqat was captured by Daesh in mid-2014, when the group overran vast swathes of territory in Iraq’s northern and western regions, including the city of Mosul.

In recent months, the Iraqi army -- backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and local allies on the ground -- has since managed to retake much territory.

Nevertheless, Daesh remains in control of much of the country, including Mosul, which Iraqi officials have vowed to capture by year’s end.