Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that Iraq is preparing to retake Mosul. He gave no details beyond that it would take several months. This announcement comes despite the near collapse of military forces in Anbar this week.
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah admitted the Lebanese group has a small presence in Iraq and urged Muslims to pull away from reliance on the United States.
At least 62 people were killed and 24 were wounded in the latest violence.
According to al-Baghdadi’s manager, Qasim al-Obeidi, any reports that the town has been reclaimed from Islamic State control is a lie. The militants immolated 26 people yesterday and four patients died from undisclosed causes. He called on the Marjiya, the heads of Iraq’s Shi’ite community, to send help.
In Dijla, eight Kurdish volunteer fighters were killed in clashes. A suicide bomber wounded 10 al-Hashed fighters. Clashes left eight al-Hashed fighters dead and 11 wounded.
An electrical worker was killed and three more were wounded by a blast in Mansouriya.
A sticky bomb killed a policeman in Tuz.
In Baghdad, a civilian was gunned down. A dumped body was found.
Ten militants were killed near Adhaim Dam.
Security forces in Albu Talha killed a cross-dressing suicide bomber.
Clashes are occurring in Falahat.
