Iraqi forces are preparing for a widescale ground offensive, backed by the international coalition, against Islamic State (ISIL) militants, according to US presidential envoy Gen. (ret.) John R. Allen.
The coalition is currently training and equipping 12 Iraqi battalions in preparation for this ground offensive, the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL told Jordan's state news agency, PETRA, in an interview on Sunday.
Allen referred to the partnership with the Iraqi government amid the 62-nation coalition which he pointed out is not the case with Syria, revealing that his upcoming tour of Southeast Asia will be aimed at urging further partner nations.
Asked whether the coalition plan a change in strategy, he said that this is clear and is based on defeating ISIL.
He also revealed that special US forces are also currently training Iraqi tribes, who he said have been an effective force against the militants, as they were formerly against Al-Qaeda.
On the self-dubbed Islamic State title chosen by the militants, he said affirmed that it does not represent the faith whatsoever, voicing his nation's rejection of the notion.
He also commended Jordan's role in the cross-border fight against the militants in its neighbouring nations of Iraq and Syria.