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| Iraq |
| 16K Iraqi troops prepare attack near Kirkuk |
| 2016-12-16 |
| Krikuk (IraqiNews.com) More than 16800 soldiers and volunteer combatants have been prepared to retake Islamic State (ISIS)-held towns in southwest of Kirkuk, a security source has told Alsumaria News. The forces are comprised of personnel from the ministries of defense and interior, as well as from al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) volunteers, said the source, adding that they are all from Iraq’s Arab sect and “fully prepared to set on the liberation battle.” “They had all been well-trained by experts from the (US-led) international coalition,” the source added. “Al-Hashd al-Shaabi in Hawija comprises 2800 of locals, and the expansion of that force is under way so as for it to have a role in liberating and taking hold of territory,” the source stated, adding that security authorities maintains a database of ISIS leaderships and affiliates in the targeted regions. “The timing of the operation remains up to the government and and the Joint Operations Command,” the source explained. Al-Zab, al-Abbasi, al-Riyadh, al-Rashad and Hawija are all Kirkuk precincts remaining under ISIS control and are all launching points for attacks on several provinces. |
| Posted by:badanov |