The airport in Iraq’s second-largest northern city of Mosul will be “officially opened on June 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Mosul’s occupation, sending a message of defiance against terrorism,” said a statement from Sudani’s office.
Sudani was on a visit to Nineveh province where he was briefed on developments projects, including progress on the much-anticipated airport. According to his office, the current completion rate exceeds 80 percent.
The airport was severely damaged during the years-long war against ISIS, when the jihadists overran large swathes of Iraq, including Mosul, in their quest to establish a so-called “caliphate.”
“Mosul International Airport is one of the most significant airports in Iraq, following Baghdad and Basra airports. It was systematically destroyed by terrorism, with damage reaching 100%,” Sudani’s office said.
ISIS was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 but the damage it incurred on the country’s infrastructure continues to impede civilians’ lives.
