ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—Iraq’s defense ministry is aiming to deploy 4,500 soldiers to the Makhmour front in preparation for the long-anticipated offensive against the Islamic State (ISIS) Mosul. Iraq's Defense Minister Khaled al-Obaidi who visited Makhmour on Saturday did reportedly discuss the deployment of troops with Kurdish military officials. Shakhawan Abdullah, a Kurdish lawmaker and head of the Iraqi parliamentary security committee told Rudaw that “the deployment comes with Kurdistan’s consent and coordination, and it is also temporary.” He added that the military base and the control of the front will be given back to Peshmerga forces after the Mosul operation. Peshmerga commander of the Makhmour front Gen. Najat Ali said that the Iraqi troops may arrive at the front on Wednesday this week, adding meanwhile that he does not expect Mosul to be retaken this year. “I believe Mosul will not be controlled this year,” said Gen. Ali who thinks the preparations are not adequate. Abdullah revealed that a military base has been erected for the Iraqi troops at the cost of US$10 million and with American help. “Both 15th and 16th divisions of the Iraqi army, the Federal Police and police forces from Nineveh province and border areas will participate in the operation,” he said. During his visit to Makhmour the Iraqi defense chief told Rudaw that the Mosul offensive will come sooner and harsher than what ISIS may expect. "The Mosul operation will be no later than the first half of this year," he said. "The operation to liberate Nineveh will be sooner and harsher than what ISIS expects. It will be done through new technics and experience Iraqi forces have gained in battle,” al-Obaidi said. "We will use such new weapons that will shock ISIS. It is possible that the Peshmerga will also participate and play their role," he vowed.
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