Iraq Tries to Reassure Over Grueling Mosul Campaign

 

With the battle to crush ISIL in its Iraqi stronghold of Mosul now in its ninth week, the government is trying to play down concerns about the slow pace of progress.

Elite troops have retaken a quarter of the city but they are facing fierce resistance from the extremist group also known as Daesh.

Visiting the frontline on Monday as thousands of police readied to join the offensive, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tried to ease fears, saying the recapture of cities such as Ramadi and Baiji from ISIL had taken four times longer than the Mosul campaign so far.

Speaking directly to the people of the city, Abadi said:

“We are coming to liberate you. Rest assured, it is a matter of time. Time is on our side. We will eliminate Daesh. They have no place among us. I ask you to receive and greet the Iraqi forces, as people have done in the liberated areas.” 

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Source: euronews.