Peshmerga fighters backed by coalition take key ridge line Kirkuk

Peshmerga fighters supported by Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve - seized a key ridge line in northern Iraq west of Kirkuk, the task force announced on Wednesday.
The forces overcame Daesh resistance in this section of Iraq, and denied "the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area," said the announcement released late on Wenesday.
The one-day operation, which began and ended on Monday, also pushed Daesh farther away from the Kirkuk oilfields, it said.
During the operation, Peshmerga forces were able to seize critical portions of Route 80 in Iraq, the statement said. In addition, the Peshmerga forces pushed Daesh three to five kilometers back over a wide front, liberating 70 square kilometers of terrain formerly held by Daesh, it said.
Coalition forces conducted supporting air strikes resulting in the destruction of 10 enemy fighting positions, five tactical units and 10 Daesh weapons systems, it said.
"This operation is another step on the path to ultimately defeating Daesh," said Lieutenant General James Terry, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve commander. "It clearly demonstrates the ability of Peshmerga forces to degrade Daesh influence in northern Iraq."
Source: KUNA