Iraq defense minister survives mortar attack near Mosul

By Ibrahim Salih

BAGHDAD

Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi has survived an assassination attempt near the northern city of Mosul, the Defense Ministry has confirmed.

The ministry said in a statement that Al-Obeidi’s convoy had come under fire and mortar attack late Monday near the Imam Gharbi village between Qayyara airbase and Najla area south of Mosul.

No injuries were reported.

The statement did not blame any group for the failed attack, but it took place near an area held by Daesh terrorist group.

Iraqi police officer Ahmed al-Jubouri earlier confirmed to Anadolu Agency that the defense minister had survived a mortar attack south of Mosul.

Iraqi forces are currently preparing a major offensive to recapture Mosul from Daesh terrorist group, which overran the city in 2014.

Iraq has suffered a devastating security vacuum since mid-2014, when Daesh captured vast swathes of territory in western and northern Iraq.

While the Iraqi army, backed by U.S.-led airstrikes, has managed to retake most of the territory, the terrorist group remains in control of several parts of the country.