WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (KUNA) -- The Coalition against the so-called Islamic State (IS) have trained some 5,000 more Iraqis who will assist hold forces in Eastern Mosul and eventually fight in Western Mosul.
The 5,000 were trained at bases in Taji, Besmaya, Irbil, and Al Asad Air Base, according to a statement by the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (OJTF-OIR) Friday.
Over the past month, the Coalition provided infantry-based tactics, techniques and procedures to "men who will play a major role in defending, holding and stabilizing liberated areas," it said.
As Iraqi forces prepare the next phase of their operation, hold forces "will be essential to provide immediate support and security," enabling forces "to focus on the western side of the Tigris River," the Coalition said. (end) ak.hb