MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Brett McGurk noted that the mission began by cutting off supply routes between Mosul and the Daesh stronghold in Raqqa, Syria, as broadcast during his visit to Baghdad by the Alsumaria television network.
He added that he planned to discuss the operation with the US ambassador in Baghdad and the governor of the Nineveh province.
The US envoy underscored the complexity of the campaign involving a cross-section of the Iraqi forces, but expressed confidence in its success because of a detailed action plan.
McGurk landed in Baghdad on Wednesday to meet with senior Iraqi government and security officials.
Daesh fighters captured Mosul in June 2014 after the US-trained and equipped Iraqi army fled the area. In late February 2016, Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled Obaidi said the battle for Mosul was set to take place later this year.
