ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – US Vice President Joe Biden commended Iraqi forces for battlefield successes in Mosul and commanded their close cooperation with the Kurdish Peshmerga. In a phone call to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday, Biden discussed the ongoing operation against ISIS in Mosul. According to a press statement released by the White House on Monday, Biden “commended Iraqi Security Forces for their battlefield successes against ISIL [ISIS],” and “also commended the close ongoing cooperation between Iraqi Security Forces and Kurdish Peshmerga.” The vice president “extended condolences to the families of those killed in the battle to liberate Mosul and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded” and “reaffirmed US respect for Iraq’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” A press statement released by the Iraqi prime minister’s office said that “Biden praised the significant progress of the Iraqi armed forces in the Battle of Mosul and victories achieved there.” According to that statement, Biden praised Abadi’s leadership “and the ongoing cooperation between the security forces in various formations, especially with the Peshmerga forces.” “Mr. Biden stressed US support for the sovereignty and integrity of the Iraqi territories and the continuation of cooperation between the two countries to promote a positive relationship,” the statement added.
