Iraqi forces targeting Mosul after reclaiming Fallujah from Islamic State

Iraqi forces expressed their plans for continuing the offensive against the Islamic State after reclaiming the city of Fallujah on Friday.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared that Fallujah was "back home" after the successful combined efforts of elite Iraqi forces and U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and promised they would now turn their sights to Mosul.

"Fallujah has returned to the nation and Mosul is the next battle, Daesh will be defeated," he said of the Islamic State on his Twitter account.

The Iraqi flag flew above the Fallujah mayor's office on Friday after the Islamic State held control of the city for nearly two years, as it was the first major city to fall when they began seeking control of Iraqi territory in 2014.

According to the Washington Post, military said they would look to target the town of Gayara before officially placing their focus on the Islamic State's "de facto capital" in Mosul.

The operation to take on Mosul has been advised by the United States but would require coordination between government in Baghdad and Kurdistan and operations to secure supply lines before launching an offensive.
 [upi.com]
 18/6/16
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