The top Iraqi commander says the operation to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State group could be complete in three months or less. Gen. Haider Fadhil of Iraq’s special forces estimated about 85 percent of eastern Mosul was now under Iraqi control. The massive offensive involving some 30,000 Iraqi forces was launched in October and Iraqi leaders originally pledged the city would be retaken before 2017. Iraqi forces — largely led by special forces — have slowly advanced across Mosul’s east. For the Mosul operation to continue, Shaghati said Iraqi forces need to continue to receive support and equipment from the U.S-led coalition.

Source: Washington Post January 11, 2017 08:34 UTC