Iraqi PM visits Mosul to review anti-Qaida campaign

Associated Press

May 14, 2008 07:09 am

— BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has arrived in the northern city of Mosul to check on his army’s campaign against al-Qaida in its last remaining major stronghold.
Iraq’s army is fighting al-Qaida in Mosul as part of operation “Lion’s Roar.” The operation has been planned and carried out by government forces.
Regional Governor Duraid Kashmola says al-Maliki flew into Mosul Wednesday.
Mosul is considered the last important urban staging ground for al-Qaida in Iraq after losing its strongholds in Baghdad and other areas during the so-called U.S. troop surge last year.
Al-Maliki has been promising a crackdown since last January.