The Iraqi military is preparing to launch their imperative operation to liberate the strategic Al-Hawija District that is currently occupied by the Islamic State group, Iraqi officials said on Tuesday, September 5, Al-Masdar News reports.

The military operation will be conducted meticulously due to the large presence of civilians living inside of the Hawija District.

“Additional forces are sent from Baghdad to prepare for the upcoming battle. We are not going to rush this campaign,” said Brigadier General Yahya Rasul, a spokesperson for the Iraqi Army.

“Our priority will be the evacuation of civilians trapped in Hawija — located [187 miles] north of Baghdad — by [Isis] terrorists. Our plan is unequivocal in this regard,” the spokesperson added.

The operation to liberate Hawija is expected to begin in the coming days, as the Iraqi military finalizes plans to storm the district.