Iraqi defence minister sacked as Mosul battle looms

Iraq’s Defense Minister has received a no-confidence vote from parliament just as Iraqi forces retook a key northern town near the Daesh (ISIS)-held city of Mosul.

Iraq’s parliament yesterday passed a vote of no confidence against Defence Minister Khaled Al-Obeidi.

According to Iraq’s constitution, after a no-confidence vote from parliament the minister “is considered resigned from the date of the decision”.

On Aug. 9, the Iraqi parliament voted to strip its speaker and two lawmakers of immunity from prosecution over the corruption allegations revealed by Obeidi, but hours later, the Iraqi judiciary cleared Jubouri of such charges.

Dr Obeidi was questioned in parliament over corruption allegations to which he answered with accusations of his own implicating Dr Juburi and several MPs.

Haider al-Abadi said the victory marks was an “important step” on the road to Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest which has been in IS hands for over two years now.

A Baghdad-based spokesman on Thursday said the coalition remained committed to supporting Iraqi security forces, declining to speculate on the possibility of fallout on the battlefield from al-Obeidi’s departure, which he called “a matter for the government of Iraq”. The army and Iranian-backed Shiite militias have retaken many areas from the militants, but the biggest test will be the battle for Mosul.

Iraqi officials say a series of bombings and shooting across the Iraqi capital has killed 13 people and wounded 24.

Police and hospital officials confirmed the casualty toll, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to reporters.