Iraqi Officials Announce That The Military Campaign To Retake Mosul Has Begun

US News And World Report: Iraqi Officials: Battle for Mosul Has Begun

Despite Iraqi claims of immediate successes, ‘Operation Conquest’ likely will be long and bloody.

The long-awaited campaign to liberate Mosul from Islamic State group control reportedly began on Thursday, with Iraqi officials saying local forces had already seen some success in freeing towns around the periphery of Iraq’s second-largest city.

“Operations to liberate areas surrounding Mosul launched today,” Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tweeted early Thursday. “First stage of our offensive has been swift and decisive.”

“Daesh is in retreat,” he said, using an alternative name for the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS and ISIL.

The Iraqi government reportedly has dubbed the new campaign “Operation Conquest.”

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WNU Editor: Iraqi officials have been talking about liberating Mosul for the past year .... so this announcement is nothing new. But ... you have to wonder if Syria and Iraq are now coordinating their attacks against the Islamic State? .... Two ISIS-Controlled Cities Just Got Closer to Liberation (NYMag)

More News On Iraq's Announcement That The Military Campaign To Retake Mosul Has Begun

The Latest: Syrian official hopes Palmyra 'nightmare' over -- AP
Iraq begins offensive to retake IS-held Mosul -- AFP
Iraq launches offensive against Islamic State south of Mosul -- Reuters
Iraq says it’s launched offensive to recapture IS-held Mosul -- AP
Battle for Mosul: Iraq military launches long-term offensive to reclaim pivotal city from Islamic State -- ABC News Online
Iraqi forces start operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State -- UPI
Iraqi Forces Launch 'Operation Conquest' to Retake Mosul from ISIS -- NBC
Iraq Forces, Backed by Peshmerga, Move on Mosul Villages -- VOA
Iraq launches attack to retake city of Mosul -- DW
Iraq announces start of operation to retake Mosul from ISIL -- USA Today
Iraqi forces remain 70 miles outside Mosul ahead of potential invasion -- FOX News
Iraqi Offensive To Liberate Mosul From ISIS Begins -- Newsweek
Iraqi forces on offensive; Peshmerga alert for any ISIS counterattack -- RUDAW
Clashes between Iraqi Army and ISIS underway in Nasser village -- RUDAW
Iraq's Military Launches a Long-Term Operation to Retake Mosul -- Reuters and VICE News