Iraqi troops launched the operation to retake Qayara earlier this week
BAGHDAD—(WSJ)- Iraqi forces have retaken the key town of Qayara, near a major air base south of Mosul, from Islamic State, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s office.
Haider al-Abadi said the victory marks was an “important step” on the road to Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest which has been in Islamic State hands for over two years now. The statement was released by Mr. Abadi’s office Thursday.
Iraqi troops launched the operation to retake Qayara this week, more than a month after retaking the nearby air base from Islamic State. Iraq’s Ministry of Defense said the army’s ninth division and the country’s elite special forces took part in the operation that was closely supported by coalition air power.
Iraqi officials have repeatedly pledged that Mosul will be retaken this year. Qayara is located 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of Mosul.
Separately, Iraqi officials say a series of bombings and shootings across the Iraqi capital has killed 13 people and wounded 24. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.