US President Barack Obama speaks during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (not seen) in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, October 18, 2016. / AFP / Nicholas Kamm
WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday said although it would be "a difficult fight," he was confident that Iraqi forces leading the military operations against Islamic State would defeat the militant group.
"The start of Iraqi operations to liberate Mosul is another major step forward," Obama said, speaking at a White House news conference alongside Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. "ISIL will be defeated in Mosul," he added, using an acronym for Islamic State.
