IS bastions 'must fall' in 2016: French defence chief

[WorldNews]

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The Islamic State group strongholds Raqa and Mosul "must fall" this year, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said during a speech in Baghdad on Monday. The battles to retake Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq are expected to be the most difficult of the war against IS, which holds swathes of territory in both countries. Le Drian's remarks are the most specific timetable for the cities' recapture given by a member of the US-led coalition against the jihadists, which has been reluctant to comment on the expected pace of operations.

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