US defence minister in Baghdad to discuss fight against Daesh

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter arrived in Baghdad Monday for talks with Iraqi leaders on the fight against Daesh and plans to recapture of Mosul from the extremist group, Radio Free Europe reported.

"What I'll be discussing with Iraqi Prime Minister [Haider al Abadi] and our commanders there are the next plays in the campaign, which involve the collapse and control over Mosul," Carter said ahead of his visit.

Carter’s visit comes two days after Iraqi forces took back control of Qayara air base, 60 kilometers south of Mosul, from the militant group, backed by air cover from a US-led military coalition.

Carter described its recapture as a key strategic victory, saying the air base can serve as a launchpad for future operations to retake Mosul, Daesh’s largest stronghold.

The air base will be one of the hubs from which "Iraqi security forces, accompanied and advised by us as needed, will complete the southernmost envelopment of Mosul,” Carter said.

Source: MENA