Pentagon Chief Discusses Mosul Operation With Iraqi Kurdistan’s Leader

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Iraqi Kurdistan’s Regional Government (KRG) President Masoud Barzani met to discuss the operation to liberate Mosul from Daesh terrorists, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a press release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Sunday, Carter arrived in Iraq on a surprise visit to thank US-led coalition troops for their service as part of the fight against Daesh terrorists.

“Secretary Carter met today with Kurdistan Regional Government President Masoud Barzani in Erbil, Iraq.‎ The two discussed the latest developments in the fight against ISIL [Daesh] and the key role Peshmerga forces have played in the campaign against ISIL,” the press release read.

The both sides noted the “unprecedented cooperation between the Government of Iraq and the KRG,” according to the press release.

It also added that the two agreed that all sides in the fight against Daesh must “remain focused on dealing the barbaric group a lasting defeat.”

The Iraqi operation to liberate Mosul, which was occupied by Daesh in June 2014, has been ongoing since October 17. The offensive is led by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Iraqi soldiers backed by the US-led anti-terror coalition.