Iraqi Turkmen commander: People of Mosul also fight Daesh


Iraqi Turkmen front leader Ershad Salihi said Monday the people of Mosul also fight Daesh and the terrorist group escaped war before the Mosul operation started.

Speaking live on a Turkish TV channel, Salihi said civilians in the Iraqi town are against Daesh as well, adding that they are fighting the terrorist group in addition to the Mosul operation.

Commenting on the Turkmen presence in the Bashiqa camp, around 500 fighters are waiting to participate in the ground offensive. He asserted that he would hope for more Turkmen fighters to take part in the operation. "Since we did not receive support from the central government, we trained ourselves with the help of Turkey," he added.

"The Mosul operation started at around 5 a.m. All armed forces are participating in the operation. Civilians are advised by the Iraqi government and military forces on the ground to stay indoors," Salihi said.