Hawija is considered the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, IS and Daesh) last strongholds in central Iraq; its proximity to the strategic city of Baiji also makes it an imperative military endeavor.

The Al-Shirqat District is located directly west of Hawija and just north of Baiji; furthermore, its location along the Mosul-Baghdad Highway makes it a top priority for the Iraqi Armed Forces, who plan on attacking southern Mosul in the coming weeks.

If this military operation is successful in Hawija and Al-Shirqat, then the Iraqi Armed Forces will be in great position to strike Mosul.

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