US State Department: The Battle To Liberate Mosul Under Iraqi Leadership

BAGHDAD / NINA / US State Department confirmed that "the United States did not play any role in determining the start of the process of liberalization of Mosul in northern Iraq." He said ministry spokesman Mark Toner said a press statement that "our position we have said clearly that this process is under Iraqi leadership and the Iraqi authorities are deciding when and where it will start and we will try our best to provide them with all possible support." For his part, the White House said that "it cannot be determined expecting timeframe for the end of the liberation process of Mosul.". The White House Press Secretary, Josh Ernst said in a news conference that "the liberation of Mosul has a strategic importance in the international coalition's campaign against the organization, given the size of the city and its location and importance, without elaborating on the possible participation of US ground troops directly in battle.". He warned that "the success in Mosul and anti Daesh generally requires a lot of time and the United States and its partners seek to limit civilian casualties." ./ End