BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 25 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi forces concluded the second phase of a major offensive, to hunt down remnants of the Daesh militants, in the north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, the Iraqi military said.
A statement by the media office of the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said, the second phase of the offensive, started on July 20, was carried out with the participation of paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units, Counter-Terrorism Service force and air support by the Iraqi and U.S.-led coalition aircraft.
The second phase included search operations in the areas of al-Tarmia, al-Nibai and al-Abayachi, north of Baghdad, the statement said, adding that, the operation was carried out with the aim of capturing terrorists, wanted suspects and confiscating unlicensed weapons and military equipment.
During the operations, the security forces arrested 12 wanted people and found four hideouts, four Katyusha rockets, 28 explosive devices, as well as, four boats and other weapons and ammunition, according to the JOC.
Iraqi helicopter gunships carried out 32 sorties and the international aircraft conducted 25 sorties, to support the troops, who searched a total of 89 villages and 87 orchards, it added.
On July 7, Iraqi soldiers and paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units, backed by Iraqi and international aircraft, launched the first phase of the offensive in the desert and rugged areas, in the provinces of Anbar, Salahudin and Nineveh, in the border areas with neighbouring Syria.– NNN-NINA
