Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Iraq prepares to ‘kick out’ Isis from Mosul

Prime Minister Haider Abadi is planning an offensive in ‘the coming few months’

David Hughes
Monday 16 February 2015 20:20 GMT
Comments
The Iraqi prime minister has said careful plans are being made to retake Mosul from Isis
The Iraqi prime minister has said careful plans are being made to retake Mosul from Isis (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A major offensive is being prepared to oust Isis from one of its strongholds in Iraq, the country’s prime minister has said.

Haider Abadi said work had begun on plans to liberate Mosul, the third largest city, which has been under Isis control since June last year.

The Iraqi prime minister insisted he did not want the international coalition to supply ground forces but called for more equipment and training for his country’s military.

The UK has been involved in the bombing campaign against Isis forces in Iraq and Mr Abadi said the coalition air strikes had increased “intensity and quality” in recent weeks.

He said careful plans were being made to retake Mosul from Isis, also known by the Arabic name Daesh. “We are now planning an offensive on Mosul in the coming few months. We have to prepare for it carefully because the only choice we have in Mosul, we have to win in Mosul to kick Daesh out,” he told the BBC.

Haider Abadi has called for more equipment and training to be supplied by the international coalition
Haider Abadi has called for more equipment and training to be supplied by the international coalition (Getty)

“Our security forces must be ready to do this and we are working very hard to make that possible ... We have already started the preparation for the liberation of Mosul.” PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in