23 November 2016, 10:34 GMT
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier on Wednesday, Hashd al-Shaabi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhands announced his forces had cut off the Tal Afar-Sinjar road, a major supply and escape route for Daesh fighters to the west of Mosul.
"The government of Iraq’s plan is that they’ll remain on the outskirts of the city and they’ll disrupt supply routes and routes of escape for Daesh to the west of Mosul," Dorrian told reporters. "That’s exactly what they’ve done to date: They’ve stopped Daesh from being able to escape or to bring in more fighters."
US forces will continue to support the Iraqi advance with airstrikes targeting Daesh leaders and positions, Dorrian added.
On October 17, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi launched the operation to retake Mosul from Daesh. The operation began with 4,000 Peshmerga fighters and 30,000 Iraqi soldiers backed by the US-led coalition.
