Haider al-Abadi
The Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi said that the undermining of militants grouping “Islamic state” (IG, is prohibited in Russia), the Cathedral-mosque of al-Nouri in Mosul is a recognition of their defeat. On Thursday, June 22, according to Reuters.
“Undermining the terrorists of ISIS mosque an-Nuri and the minaret of al-Hadba is a statement about their defeat”, — said the Prime Minister.
The information that the militants blew up the mosque of al-Nouri appeared on June 21. According to the Iraqi military, the mosque was blown up by militants when the army of Baghdad have moved into the city, pushing the terrorists.
The press service of the Iraqi army said that “is militants have committed another historical crime-blowing up the mosque an-Nuri and its historical minaret of al-Hadba”.
The mosque, built in the XII century located in the old town of Mosul, where in recent times there are fights. In July 2014, the leader of the terrorists of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi said in her speech, which proclaimed a “Caliphate” and declared himself its head.
On 14 June it was reported that the terrorists made a powerful offensive against the Iraqi military in Mosul, which was repulsed. The supporters have lost a few dozen people killed. At the same time, sources close to the Islamists, said destroyed during the offensive up to 40 police officers seized several checkpoints in the city, and knocked out eight armored vehicles of government forces.
May 11, Iraqi security forces promised to liberate the Western part of Mosul held by is militants, before the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan, however, to do this failed.
The second phase of the operation for the liberation of the city started in February, with the support of the international coalition led by the United States. In late March, Iraqi security forces stopped a massive attack due to the increased number of casualties, however, on April 14, the battle for the center of the city resumed.