Iraqi army launches fierce offensive to liberate one of ISIL's last two strongholds

The Iraqi army launched a major offensive early on Thursday on Hawija, one of the last two strongholds of the Islamic State in that country, confirmed the Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi, reports the Patria agency.

The Hawija region is located in the Kirkuk province, known for its large oil fields, 230 kilometers northeast of Baghdad.

- At dawn of a new day, we announce the launch of the first phase of the liberation of Hawija, in accordance with fulfilling our obligations to our people to liberate the entire Iraqi territory and cleanse it of the terrorist gangs of IS - said Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi.

He praised the security forces "who are fighting multiple battles for liberation simultaneously and achieving victory after victory".

- This will be another one, with God's help - said Abadi.

Gunfire and artillery salvos have been echoing throughout the day, and the Iraqi infantry is moving towards Sharqat, southwest of Hawija.