Islamic State militants numbers in Iraq nearly 6000: ministry
Islamic State’s members. File photo.
Ministry undersecretary Aqeel al-Khazali said in press statements on Tuesday that this number is what is left of fighters after thousands had been killed or fled the country as Iraqi government and popular forces recaptured several parts of Iraq over the past two years.
Iraqi forces are backed by al-Hashd al-Shaabi (popular mobilization units), US-led international forces and Kurdish troops. They have been leading a major campaign since mid October to retake the city of Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city and IS’s last major stronghold in Iraq.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in statements on Tuesday that defeating IS needs three extra months. He had previously hoped the battle would wrap up before the end of 2016. His comments are more optimistic than US coalition commanders who envision victory within two years at least. Iraqi generals have said they now control a quarter of Mosul, but the extremist group still bombs and launches suicide attacks on liberated areas.
The battles for Mosul has forced 137.000 people to flee homes to refugee camps, according to the latest count by the Ministry of Migration and Displacement.