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Iraqi Army Prepares for Decisive Mosul Battle against ISIS | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Iraq’s Kurdistan region’s President Massoud Barzani, Reuters


Irbil- British defense secretary Michael Fallon meeting with Iraqi Kurdistan Kurdish President Masoud Barzani reiterated the United Kingdom’s support for Peshmerga forces fighting against ISIS terror group in Mosul.

The humanitarian condition in Mosul is reportedly plunging into uncharted devastation as eastern ISIS-held areas redirect most activity and resources into preparations for a major offensive to be staged by Iraqi counter-terrorism forces backed by an international effort to liberate Mosul from ISIS.

“Other than commending the exertions of Peshmerga forces–describing its forces the bravest in the war against ISIS– Fallon in his meeting with regional president Barzani, stressed the importance of the post ISIS phase,” Barzani’s Media Advisor Kifah Mahmoud told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Achieving political consensus among most parties is central to upholding security and social peace in freed areas,” Mahmoud cited Fallon saying.

“The British Defense Minister vowed to continue his country’s support for Peshmerga forces both in areas of militarily and performance,” he said.

“More so, the British government allotted a sum of money for the reconstruction of some of the cities destroyed as a result of ISIS dominance,” he added.

British forces have been involved in the U.S.-led international coalition fighting the war against ISIS in Iraq since the summer of 2014.

A significant seven thousand Peshmerga fighters have been trained by a program provided by the coalition paired with a comprehensive air support in the war against the hardliners.

“I remember just a few years ago when only the Peshmerga stood between ISIS domination and freedom. It was your heroism that helped inspire the fight back,” Fallon said on Sunday after a meeting with British advisors who have trained more than 7,000 Peshmerga.

Fallon recognized the sacrifices and congratulated the Peshmerga for their performance in operations to liberate Mosul.

“The fight isn’t over,” Fallon said. “We now move from east to west Mosul — not just to route the enemy out of your land, but to restore security to your homes and people.”