MESOP PROGRESS FLASH : Supported by U.S. strikes, Peshmerga advances in northern Iraq

ARA News – 3-10-2014 – Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdish Peshmerga forces controlled the cities of Rabia and Zammar in Nineveh province in northern Iraq, after forcing militant fighters of the Islamic State’s (IS/ISIS) to withdraw following fierce clashes.

The Peshmerga army also announced the start of what it called “Shingal liberation campaign”, to free the Yezidi area of Shingal in northern Iraq, which has been under the IS control for nearly two months. The international coalition’s air strikes hit several targets close to the town of Shingal (Sinjar) and Baaj, burning a number of IS-led armour vehicles, which opened the way for the Peshmerga to advance towards the western borders of the Kurdistan region with Syria. The Peshmerga’s military operations started in the area of Yaad near Shingal, after tightening their control over large areas and blocking the road between Shingal and the Syrian border, in an attempt to cut off communication means between IS militants on both sides of the border in order to prevent the group’s members from receiving any military reinforcements.

Speaking to ARA News on the phone, a leading member of the Peshmerga army, who preferred anonymity, said that militants of IS have been expelled from 30 sites in northern Iraq during the last two days. “Supported by the U.S. strikes, our forces (Peshmerga) were able to achieve a remarkable advance on the ground,” he said. “Our steps are well-prepared and we are working according to a strategic plan to free the  Shingal area of IS terrorists within days.”

Reporting by: Sarbaz Yusuf Source: ARA News