Iraqi forces liberate 140km2 of territory north of Hawija

The Iraqi Armed Forces have liberated approximately 140 square kilometers of territory north of the Hawija District of the Kirkuk Governorate, the official spokesperson for the Iraqi Army stated this morning.

Led by Hashd Al-Sha’abi (Popular Mobilization Units), the Iraqi Armed Forces have liberated at least 15 villages in the Al-Shirqat District, which is located directly northwest of Hawija.

Once the Al-Shirqat District is cleared, the Iraqi Armed Forces will be able to penetrate the Islamic State’s (ISIL) last line of defense north of Hawija and enter this terrorist stronghold.

The Hawija operation began at dawn on Thursday morning and has been incredibly successful, given the terrorist group’s fierce resistance to the Iraqi military’s advance.