(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BAGHDAD, July 13 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi and General Joseph L. Votel, the Commander of the United States Central Command, discussed on Wednesday military preparations for advancing government forces to the northern city of Mosul, controlled by the so-called Islamic State (IS).
An official statement said the premier and Gen. Votel discussed military and security cooperation, training the Iraqi forces and preparations for retaking Mosul from the IS.
It quoted the senior American general as saying Washington would continue backing Iraq in its war against terrorism.
Gen. Votel held separate talks with Defense Minister Khaled Al-Obaidi on identical issues and role of the international coalition in backing the Iraqi troops.
US Secretary of State Ashton Carter has recently declared that Washington is dispatching an addition force of 560 military personnel to Iraq to back up the local forces in liberating Mosul.
Iraqi government forces, which have recently advanced deep into the IS-held territories, have pursued moving northwards toward Mosul, a key stronghold for the militant group. (end) ah.rk