Iraqi forces retake Daesh-held northern town: Officials

By Othman al-Shalash

SALADIN, Iraq

Iraqi security forces on Thursday recaptured the town of Al-Shirqat in the northern Saladin province from members of the Daesh terrorist group, according to military officials.

"Army forces are now in control of Al-Shirqat’s city center and are clearing the area [of Daesh elements]," Juma Enad, the chief of army operations in Saladin, said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced the launch of a military operation aimed at recapturing Al-Shirqat, the terrorist group’s last remaining stronghold in Saladin.

With a population of roughly 200,000, Al-Shirqat was captured by Daesh in mid-2014, when the group overran vast swathes of territory in Iraq’s northern and western regions, including the city of Mosul.

In recent months, the Iraqi army -- backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and local allies on the ground -- has since managed to retake much territory.

Nevertheless, Daesh remains in control of much of the country, including Mosul, which Iraqi officials have vowed to capture by year’s end.

By Othman al-Shalash

SALADIN, Iraq

Iraqi security forces on Thursday recaptured the town of Al-Shirqat in the northern Saladin province from members of the Daesh terrorist group, according to military officials.

"Army forces are now in control of Al-Shirqat’s city center and are clearing the area [of Daesh elements]," Juma Enad, the chief of army operations in Saladin, said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced the launch of a military operation aimed at recapturing Al-Shirqat, the terrorist group’s last remaining stronghold in Saladin.

In recent months, the Iraqi army -- backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and local allies on the ground -- has since managed to retake much territory.

Nevertheless, Daesh remains in control of much of the country, including Mosul, which Iraqi officials have vowed to capture by year’s end.