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Iraq's Abadi urges politicians to unite behind army

Thursday, 02 June 2016 1:59 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 02 June 2016 1:59 PM ]

Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, clad in black, walks during his visit to an Iraqi army base near Fallujah, June 1, 2016. (AFP photo)

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi urged politicians Thursday to unite behind the army as it battles to liberate Fallujah City in the western province of Anbar from the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.

The Iraqi premier made the remarks during a visit to the frontline near Fallujah.

“I appeal (to the politicians) to freeze all differences until the land is freed,” Abadi stated. “Daesh is the ultimate corruption and whoever prevents us from fighting Daesh is corrupt.”

Reform protests continue

In recent weeks, hundreds of Iraqis have taken to the streets of Baghdad, calling for reforms. The protests defy Abadi’s call to halt the weekly action as the military and allies gear up for retaking the key city.

Abadi has said that military forces backed by volunteer fighters battling for Fallujah will liberate the Daesh-held city in the course of next few days.

The Iraqi prime minister described the reduction of civilian and army casualties as the main goal of the ongoing military operations.

Abadi also said government forces dealt heavy blows to terrorists during clashes on Wednesday.

On May 23, the Iraqi military started a large-scale push to drive out the militants from Fallujah, located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of the capital.

They have already recaptured several towns and villages on the city’s outskirts and managed to enter the city on May 30.

Iraqi army general in charge of the Fallujah operation Abdel Wahab al-Saadi (C) walks among troops in an area on the southern outskirts of Fallujah, June 1, 2016. (AFP photo)

Even though the majority of Fallujah's population is believed to have fled during six months of siege, 50,000 people are still thought to be holed up with limited access to water, food or healthcare.

Fallujah is believed to be the base from which militants have staged a campaign of bombings in Baghdad.

Last December, Abadi pledged that 2016 would be the year of "final victory" against the militants, predicting the capture of their de facto capital, Mosul, in northern Iraq.

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