Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid Al Ubaydi chaired Wednesday evening an operations conference on preparations for the military operation in Ninawa, northwestern Iraq.

The minister called for full support of the operation to achieve its goal.

He noted that joint Iraqi forces killed 46 terrorists in Anbar, in western Iraq.

Commander of the operation Abdullah Gabouri unveiled on Wednesday the start of the first stage of Ninawa liberation operation.

The first stage includes air strikes against Daesh militants' position in Ninawa, said Commander of the operation Abdullah Gabouri.

He added that operation will include ground offensive but the date has not been set yet.

Ninawa fell into Daesh control in June.