PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 17, 2016
Coalition supports ISF Mosul offensive
CJTFOIR

October 17, 2016
Release # 20161017-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Operation Inherent Resolve

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces began the offensive to retake Mosul Oct. 17, 2016, with support from the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Operation Inherent Resolve.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the major operation to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The top Coalition general in Iraq, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, highlighted the leading role played by the Iraqis in the operation.

“Mosul will be a hard fight, but the Iraqi security forces are ready. They’ve been waiting to liberate Mosul for two years, and today is the day,” said the commanding general of CJFLCC-OIR and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

“The Coalition is proud to support the Iraqis in the liberation of Mosul,” he said. “The Iraqis have been building momentum from liberating Hit, Fallujah and Qayyarah. Mosul will be the next operation and we are confident they will succeed.”

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is leading a coalition of 19 nations to support the liberation of Mosul from ISIL. This operation encompasses years of progress by the ISF in order to defeat ISIL.

An Iraqi soldier and U.S. Army general held a preliminary meeting to discuss operations leading up to the Mosul offensive. See the following link for additional details: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/212154/coalition-supports-isf-mosul-offensive