Mosul Liberation Should Serve to Boost Iraqis’ Unity
Speaking in a Tuesday meeting in Tehran with Ammar al-Hakim, the head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) political party, President Rouhani hoped that the liberation of the northern city of Mosul from Daesh will lead to strengthened unity, stability and security in Iraq.
He underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports a united Iraq, and that any move that undermines the Arab country’s unity and territorial integrity will serve no one’s interest.
Al-Hakim, for his part, appreciated Iran’s support for the Iraqi nation and government, especially in the fight against Daesh, and called for expansion of the ties between the two neighboring countries.
Iraqi army soldiers and volunteer fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units, commonly known by their Arabic name, Hashd al-Sha’abi, have made sweeping gains against Daesh since launching the Mosul operation on October 17, 2016.
The Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19.
Government authorities are planning a week of jubilation across the country and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is expected to visit Mosul soon to formally declare victory against Daesh.
