The Iraqi Defence Ministry announced Thursday (June 21st) that military exercises commenced for three days to test the capabilities of Iraq's armed forces.

Iraqi training experts will supervise live ammunition drills in the Hadhar peninsula, south of Mosul.

Lt. Col. Abdul Rahim al-Atwani, the Ninawa military command spokesperson, told Al-Shorfa the drills called "Den of Evil" involve 7,000 Iraqi soldiers, a squadron of combat helicopters, armoured vehicles and tanks.

The drills are being undertaken to test "the capabilities and competencies of the armed forces in dealing with terrorist threats and external attacks", he said.

Soldiers participating in the exercises will be trained to free hostages, engage in combat in open and narrow areas, and stay physically fit, al-Atwani said.