Iraqi Forces Recapture Airbase South Of Mosul: Military Sources

BAGHDAD: Iraqi government forces on Saturday took control of an airbase they plan to use as a launchpad for an offensive on Mosul, the de-facto capital of the ISIS, military sources said.

Regular and special forces of the Iraqi army entered the Qayyara airbase from the south, under air cover from the US-led coalition, they said.

"It's a strategic advance," said a senior army officer from the frontline. "It will help speed up the offensive on Mosul." The army began advancing on Qayyara in March.

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