MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The operation launched by Iraqi forces to liberate the city of Mosul from Daesh could take several weeks or even longer, commander of the US-led anti-Daesh coalition Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said on Monday.
"This operation to regain control of Iraq's second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer," Townsend was quoted as saying by ABC News.
The official added that the Iraqi ground combat forces would lead the operation with assistance from US air support, artillery, intelligence, advisers and forward air controllers. He pointed out that the operation "may prove to be a long and tough battle."
On late Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced the start of the military operation to retake Mosul from Daesh militants.
Mosul, the second biggest Iraqi city, as well as a number of other northern and western Iraqi cities and towns was seized in 2014 during an offensive of Daesh group outlawed in Russia.
