Troops Have Retaken Key Town Near Mosul From ISIS: Iraq PM

Iraqi troops launched the operation to retake Qayara this week, a month after retaking the air base from ISIS.

The Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said his country’s forces have retaken the key town of Qayara, near a major air base south of Mosul, from the ISIS.

The PM says the victory marks an “important step” on the road to Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city which has been in ISIS hands for over two years now. The statement was released by al-Abadi’s office on Thursday.

Our heroic forces achieved a big victory, an important step towards the liberation of Mosul. I present my congratulations to the Iraqi people for the liberation of the strategic town of Qayyarah and neighbouring areas.

Haider al-Abadi, Prime Minister, Iraq

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Iraqi troops launched the operation to retake Qayara this week, more than a month after retaking the nearby air base from ISIS.

Iraqi officials have repeatedly pledged that Mosul will be retaken this year. Qayara is located 70 kms (45 miles) south of Mosul.

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Last month Iraqi forces backed by US-led airstrikes retook the Qayara airfield, a transport hub that could prove crucial for an advance on Mosul. Seventy kilometers (40 miles) of territory dotted with militant-held villages lie between Qayara and Mosul.

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(With inputs from PTI and AP.)