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Battle for Mosul: Isis stronghold under attack from Iraqi and Kurdish forces – latest news Battle for Mosul: Isis stronghold under attack from Iraqi and Kurdish forces – latest news
(35 minutes later)
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey is determined to be part of the operation to capture Mosul, as well as in possible talks on the city’s future. The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, says Turkey is determined to be part of the operation to recapture Mosul, and possible talks on the city’s future.
The Associated Press reports that Erdogan has reiterated Turkey’s concerns that the operation could lead to sectarian clashes. He also maintained that efforts in Iraq to keep Turkey away from the Mosul offensive were linked to Ankara’s efforts to prevent any possible demographic change in the region. Associated Press reports that Erdoğan has reiterated Turkey’s concerns that the operation could lead to sectarian clashes. He also maintained that efforts in Iraq to keep Turkey away from the Mosul offensive were linked to Ankara’s efforts to prevent any possible demographic change in the region.
Turkey has been warning about possible sectarian clashes in Mosul if the majority Sunni region were placed under Shiite militia control. Erdogan says that once Mosul is liberated, Turkey cannot allow “a Sunni-Shiite strife” in the city. Turkey has been warning about possible sectarian clashes in Mosul if the majority Sunni region were placed under Shia militia control. Erdoğan says that once Mosul is liberated, Turkey cannot allow “a Sunni-Shia strife” in the city.
He insisted Turkey “will be in the (Mosul) operation and we will be at the table. It is not possible for us to stay outside.” He insisted Turkey “will be in the (Mosul) operation and we will be at the table. It is not possible for us to stay outside”.
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A defeat in Mosul would be a massive ideological blow to the Islamic State’s ideology, with the city representing the heart of the caliphate that the group declared in the region two years ago, according to one terrorism expert.A defeat in Mosul would be a massive ideological blow to the Islamic State’s ideology, with the city representing the heart of the caliphate that the group declared in the region two years ago, according to one terrorism expert.
Dr Natasha Underhill, an expert on terrorism in the Middle East at Nottingham Trent University, said that if the city was recaptured it could spell the beginning of the end for Isis as we know them. She said: Dr Natasha Underhill from Nottingham Trent University, an expert on terrorism in the Middle East, said that if the city was recaptured it could spell the beginning of the end for Isis as we know it. She said:
If the campaign to retake Mosul is a success, it would not only be a massive military defeat for IS but more importantly it would be massive blow to its ideological stance. Mosul symbolises the heart of the caliphate for the group and removing this would mark the beginning of the end for a group who is already struggling for survival. The group is no longer the powerhouse that it once appeared and is in fact struggling not only to gain support but to keep the support in place that it currently has.If the campaign to retake Mosul is a success, it would not only be a massive military defeat for IS but more importantly it would be massive blow to its ideological stance. Mosul symbolises the heart of the caliphate for the group and removing this would mark the beginning of the end for a group who is already struggling for survival. The group is no longer the powerhouse that it once appeared and is in fact struggling not only to gain support but to keep the support in place that it currently has.
The international community needs to be extremely careful in how it approaches this campaign, keeping in mind that this is not just a fight for territory, but also a fight for the hearts and minds of those who are the most fragile – the citizens of Iraq. In order for this to be a success there cannot be a repeat of the debacle that followed the 2003 invasion where the US-led coalition were essentially understaffed and unplanned for the scope of instability that would emerge across Iraq. For IS this would almost certainly be the hardest blow and would make it almost impossible for them to continue their propaganda campaign built around their creation of the caliphate.The international community needs to be extremely careful in how it approaches this campaign, keeping in mind that this is not just a fight for territory, but also a fight for the hearts and minds of those who are the most fragile – the citizens of Iraq. In order for this to be a success there cannot be a repeat of the debacle that followed the 2003 invasion where the US-led coalition were essentially understaffed and unplanned for the scope of instability that would emerge across Iraq. For IS this would almost certainly be the hardest blow and would make it almost impossible for them to continue their propaganda campaign built around their creation of the caliphate.
If Mosul were to be retaken by the allied coalition, a desperate IS may increase its levels of suicide attacks and other such methods to try to show its strength, but in reality the group is already weakened and has made little real ground in the last year. If anything they have been pushed back to levels not seen since its rapid emergence in 2014. It may be the beginning of the end for IS as we know them.If Mosul were to be retaken by the allied coalition, a desperate IS may increase its levels of suicide attacks and other such methods to try to show its strength, but in reality the group is already weakened and has made little real ground in the last year. If anything they have been pushed back to levels not seen since its rapid emergence in 2014. It may be the beginning of the end for IS as we know them.
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Smoke is rising over Mosul from the artillery and mortar fire and airstrikes from the US-led coalition backing Iraqi and irregular forces’ assault in the city. As these pictures show, the battle is now intensifying for control of the city. Smoke is rising over Mosul from the artillery and mortar fire and airstrikes from the US-led coalition backing Iraqi and irregular forces’ assault. As these pictures show, the battle is intensifying for control of the city.
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The assault on Mosul may cause up to 100,000 Iraqis to flee to Syria and Turkey, the UN refugee agency warned.The assault on Mosul may cause up to 100,000 Iraqis to flee to Syria and Turkey, the UN refugee agency warned.
The UNHCR has issued an appeal for an additional $61m (£50m) for Mosul-related humanitarian work in Iraq, Syria and Turkey following the attack on the city. It says the money will be spent on tents, camps, heating stoves and other “winter items”, Reuters reports.The UNHCR has issued an appeal for an additional $61m (£50m) for Mosul-related humanitarian work in Iraq, Syria and Turkey following the attack on the city. It says the money will be spent on tents, camps, heating stoves and other “winter items”, Reuters reports.
Meanwhile, Numan Kurtulmuş, Turkey’s deputy prime minister, has said his country is ready for the hundreds of thousands who may flee because of fighting although, he added, there will be no influx of refugees if the operation is run correctly.Meanwhile, Numan Kurtulmuş, Turkey’s deputy prime minister, has said his country is ready for the hundreds of thousands who may flee because of fighting although, he added, there will be no influx of refugees if the operation is run correctly.
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The Turkish leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has said Iraqi demands that Turkey stay our of the battle for Mosul are “out of the question”. The Turkish leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has said Iraqi demands that Turkey stay out of the battle for Mosul are “out of the question”.
#BREAKING Erdogan says 'out of question' for Turkey to stay out of Mosul operation#BREAKING Erdogan says 'out of question' for Turkey to stay out of Mosul operation
Reuters earlier reported that 1,500 irregulars trained by Turkish forces at a base in northern Iraq were due to join the advance on Iraq’s second-biggest city, which has been in Islamic State hands for two years.Reuters earlier reported that 1,500 irregulars trained by Turkish forces at a base in northern Iraq were due to join the advance on Iraq’s second-biggest city, which has been in Islamic State hands for two years.
The agency later posted a brief report saying that Turkey’s deputy prime minister, Numan Kurtulmuş, had revealed that 3,000 Turkish-trained forces were taking part in the operation.The agency later posted a brief report saying that Turkey’s deputy prime minister, Numan Kurtulmuş, had revealed that 3,000 Turkish-trained forces were taking part in the operation.
The deployment of Turkish soldiers in Iraqi territory had led to tensions between the two governments, with Baghdad saying the soldiers are violating Iraq’s sovereignty and demanding they leave the country, a call Ankara has ignored.The deployment of Turkish soldiers in Iraqi territory had led to tensions between the two governments, with Baghdad saying the soldiers are violating Iraq’s sovereignty and demanding they leave the country, a call Ankara has ignored.
A source told Reuters that the Turkish-trained force is comprised of Shias, Yazidis and Christians, as well as Turkmen fighters. Their presence could cause friction with Kurdish fighters, since Turkey regards its domestic Kurdish separatist groups as terrorists.A source told Reuters that the Turkish-trained force is comprised of Shias, Yazidis and Christians, as well as Turkmen fighters. Their presence could cause friction with Kurdish fighters, since Turkey regards its domestic Kurdish separatist groups as terrorists.
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at 11.38am BST at 12.57pm BST
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Elsewhere in Iraq, militants have continued their campaign against the government forces and militias arrayed against the Islamic State group with a suicide car bomb at a security checkpoint south of Baghdad this morning.Elsewhere in Iraq, militants have continued their campaign against the government forces and militias arrayed against the Islamic State group with a suicide car bomb at a security checkpoint south of Baghdad this morning.
Ten people were killed and 25 were wounded when the driver of a car packed with explosives detonated his vehicle as a convoy of Shia paramilitary fighters drove past the checkpoint in Yusufiya, nine miles (15km) south of the Iraqi capital, sources told Reuters.Ten people were killed and 25 were wounded when the driver of a car packed with explosives detonated his vehicle as a convoy of Shia paramilitary fighters drove past the checkpoint in Yusufiya, nine miles (15km) south of the Iraqi capital, sources told Reuters.
It caused casualties among police and army personnel manning the position, as well as Shia fighters and civilians, the agency said.It caused casualties among police and army personnel manning the position, as well as Shia fighters and civilians, the agency said.
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Peshmerga seize seven villages east of MosulPeshmerga seize seven villages east of Mosul
Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces have taken control of seven villages east of the city of Mosul, Turkey’s state-run news agency has reported.Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces have taken control of seven villages east of the city of Mosul, Turkey’s state-run news agency has reported.
Peshmerga soldiers have also taken control of the main road linking Mosul to Irbil, the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital, which is further to the east, according to the report cited by the Associated Press in its latest update on the battle.Peshmerga soldiers have also taken control of the main road linking Mosul to Irbil, the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital, which is further to the east, according to the report cited by the Associated Press in its latest update on the battle.
Helgurt Hikmet, a press officer in Irbil, has been quoted by Anadolu press agency as saying the seven villages that were taken from Islamic State control are: Tercele, Basahra, Little Bedene, Great Bedene, Kebervi, Baskelan and Sheikh Emir.Helgurt Hikmet, a press officer in Irbil, has been quoted by Anadolu press agency as saying the seven villages that were taken from Islamic State control are: Tercele, Basahra, Little Bedene, Great Bedene, Kebervi, Baskelan and Sheikh Emir.
Two would-be Islamic State suicide bombers were “neutralised” during the operations on Monday morning, the agency also said, without providing details.Two would-be Islamic State suicide bombers were “neutralised” during the operations on Monday morning, the agency also said, without providing details.
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Here are a few videos purporting to show the situation in and around Mosul this morning. The first is from ITV news’ middle east editor, so we can be sure it is reliable.Here are a few videos purporting to show the situation in and around Mosul this morning. The first is from ITV news’ middle east editor, so we can be sure it is reliable.
Kurdish #Peshmerga fired from rockets launcher on #ISIS positions near #Mosul . pic.twitter.com/GFEfClSUPhKurdish #Peshmerga fired from rockets launcher on #ISIS positions near #Mosul . pic.twitter.com/GFEfClSUPh
Iraqi airforce dropping leaflets in & around #Mosul, warning local civillians to avoid ISIS held areas & promising victory. pic.twitter.com/pAFg2QovaqIraqi airforce dropping leaflets in & around #Mosul, warning local civillians to avoid ISIS held areas & promising victory. pic.twitter.com/pAFg2Qovaq
EXCLUSIVE: US-led coalition warplanes target #ISIS positions - East of #Mosul More videos: https://t.co/wEMwjeQybb#TwitterKurds #Iraq pic.twitter.com/GXRz9zQfvREXCLUSIVE: US-led coalition warplanes target #ISIS positions - East of #Mosul More videos: https://t.co/wEMwjeQybb#TwitterKurds #Iraq pic.twitter.com/GXRz9zQfvR
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About 1,500 Iraqi fighters trained by the Turkish army are to take part in the attack on Mosul, Turkish military sources have told Reuters.About 1,500 Iraqi fighters trained by the Turkish army are to take part in the attack on Mosul, Turkish military sources have told Reuters.
Their involvement comes despite a row between the Iraqi and Turkish governments over the presence of Turkish soldiers at the Bashiqa camp, in northern Iraq, where some 3,000 irregular fighters have been trained, and over who should take part in the attack, the agency reports.Their involvement comes despite a row between the Iraqi and Turkish governments over the presence of Turkish soldiers at the Bashiqa camp, in northern Iraq, where some 3,000 irregular fighters have been trained, and over who should take part in the attack, the agency reports.
“Around half of the 3,000 are currently taking part in the operation. The other half are being kept in reserve,” one of the sources told Reuters.“Around half of the 3,000 are currently taking part in the operation. The other half are being kept in reserve,” one of the sources told Reuters.
“There is currently no participation in the operation by the Turkish military, but developments are being watched very closely,” the source added.“There is currently no participation in the operation by the Turkish military, but developments are being watched very closely,” the source added.
The source said there were Shi’ites, Yazidis and Christians in the force, which also included Turkmen fighters.The source said there were Shi’ites, Yazidis and Christians in the force, which also included Turkmen fighters.
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Here are some pictures filtering through of Kurdish peshmerga preparing for the attack on Mosul. As mentioned just before, Kurdish forces are said to be leading the first attack on the city’s eastern parts.Here are some pictures filtering through of Kurdish peshmerga preparing for the attack on Mosul. As mentioned just before, Kurdish forces are said to be leading the first attack on the city’s eastern parts.
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at 8.52am BSTat 8.52am BST
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Kurdish peshmerga forces are leading the first attack on Mosul’s eastern front, an Iraqi special forces commander has told the Associated Press.Kurdish peshmerga forces are leading the first attack on Mosul’s eastern front, an Iraqi special forces commander has told the Associated Press.
According to the US news agency’s latest report from the battle:According to the US news agency’s latest report from the battle:
Lt. Col. Ali Hussein says his men are also anxious to move out to the front line as soon as possible but that he expects they will wait near the town of Khazer for another day or two. He spoke just hours after the long-awaited battle for Mosul began on Monday morning.Lt. Col. Ali Hussein says his men are also anxious to move out to the front line as soon as possible but that he expects they will wait near the town of Khazer for another day or two. He spoke just hours after the long-awaited battle for Mosul began on Monday morning.
According to Hussein, an earlier political deal between the country’s Kurdish region and the central government in Baghdad has agreed that Kurdish forces would advance first and bring a cluster of villages the home of Christian, Shabak and other minority groups under their regional control.According to Hussein, an earlier political deal between the country’s Kurdish region and the central government in Baghdad has agreed that Kurdish forces would advance first and bring a cluster of villages the home of Christian, Shabak and other minority groups under their regional control.
Saud Masoud, also with the special forces, says that after the Kurdish troops ‘take the area that they want,’ the special forces will then move to the new front and continue the push into Mosul.Saud Masoud, also with the special forces, says that after the Kurdish troops ‘take the area that they want,’ the special forces will then move to the new front and continue the push into Mosul.
Guardian reporter Martin Chulov is with Kurdish forces, so we may hear more from him about their movements soon.Guardian reporter Martin Chulov is with Kurdish forces, so we may hear more from him about their movements soon.
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Fears over the safety of civilians in Mosul come after reports that Isis militants have banned any from leaving the city, setting up checkpoints on roads and blowing up the homes of those who have already fled to deter others.Fears over the safety of civilians in Mosul come after reports that Isis militants have banned any from leaving the city, setting up checkpoints on roads and blowing up the homes of those who have already fled to deter others.
Militants have already moved into residential areas to try to deter US airstrikes from making targets of positions near homes. One refugee who recently fled Mosul, Abu Ammar, 47, told the Guardian that he and his family spent six hours walking through the night, through fields they feared were peppered with mines, to escape. He said:Militants have already moved into residential areas to try to deter US airstrikes from making targets of positions near homes. One refugee who recently fled Mosul, Abu Ammar, 47, told the Guardian that he and his family spent six hours walking through the night, through fields they feared were peppered with mines, to escape. He said:
My kids hadn’t left the house for weeks, because they were afraid of the US airstrikes, they were bombing residential areas, close to our home. The noise is horrible, windows get broken, the whole house shakes, and people get hysterical.My kids hadn’t left the house for weeks, because they were afraid of the US airstrikes, they were bombing residential areas, close to our home. The noise is horrible, windows get broken, the whole house shakes, and people get hysterical.
I only went out if I needed to do some shopping, and tried my best to avoid Isis militants. Mostly we borrowed wheat from a neighbour, because we couldn’t afford to buy it. I’m a government employee and haven’t been paid for two years. The only places that are open in Mosul are petrol stations, and shops with goods from Syria.I only went out if I needed to do some shopping, and tried my best to avoid Isis militants. Mostly we borrowed wheat from a neighbour, because we couldn’t afford to buy it. I’m a government employee and haven’t been paid for two years. The only places that are open in Mosul are petrol stations, and shops with goods from Syria.
I was trying to find a way out for months, a job somewhere to feed the kids, but I was scared to take the route to Erbil because it is planted with mines. I finally agreed to leave with four other families one night, but at the last minute the others dropped out.I was trying to find a way out for months, a job somewhere to feed the kids, but I was scared to take the route to Erbil because it is planted with mines. I finally agreed to leave with four other families one night, but at the last minute the others dropped out.
They said they had been tipped off that Isis had set up many checkpoints along the way and might capture us. I insisted on going anyway. We walked through the night for more than six hours, with my kids frightened and begging to go back.They said they had been tipped off that Isis had set up many checkpoints along the way and might capture us. I insisted on going anyway. We walked through the night for more than six hours, with my kids frightened and begging to go back.
Amina Najib, 45, speaking from Mosul city centre, told the Guardian that she and her family had decided the risk of trying to escape was too great. They have stockpiled a few essentials in a room in their house to use as a shelter. She said:Amina Najib, 45, speaking from Mosul city centre, told the Guardian that she and her family had decided the risk of trying to escape was too great. They have stockpiled a few essentials in a room in their house to use as a shelter. She said:
People here have nothing to talk about except the horrific war that will be launched against the city soon. But in the end we reckoned it was better to stay home than risk getting caught by Isis trying to flee. My son has already had 20 lashes just for using a mobile in the street.People here have nothing to talk about except the horrific war that will be launched against the city soon. But in the end we reckoned it was better to stay home than risk getting caught by Isis trying to flee. My son has already had 20 lashes just for using a mobile in the street.
I prepared a room in the house as a shelter with just some wheat to make bread and a few kilos of rice.I prepared a room in the house as a shelter with just some wheat to make bread and a few kilos of rice.
Most locals don’t have any cash because the government stopped paying its employees two years ago, and all our savings are wiped out. Pensioners are the lucky ones, they still get their pension via credit card, so our money comes from my cousin who is a retired teacher.Most locals don’t have any cash because the government stopped paying its employees two years ago, and all our savings are wiped out. Pensioners are the lucky ones, they still get their pension via credit card, so our money comes from my cousin who is a retired teacher.
People are worried about what comes after liberation. It is true we want to get rid of Isis but can you trust who will take power after?People are worried about what comes after liberation. It is true we want to get rid of Isis but can you trust who will take power after?
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A senior U.N. official says he’s “extremely concerned” for the safety of civilians in Mosul, who may be trapped between the lines or held as human shields as the attack begins on the city.A senior U.N. official says he’s “extremely concerned” for the safety of civilians in Mosul, who may be trapped between the lines or held as human shields as the attack begins on the city.
Stephen O’Brien, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said in a statement last night:Stephen O’Brien, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said in a statement last night:
Families are at extreme risk of being caught in cross-fire or targeted by snipers. Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women and men may be under siege or held as human shields. Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines. Children, women, the elderly and disabled will be particularly vulnerable. Depending on the intensity and scope of the fighting, as many as one million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario.Families are at extreme risk of being caught in cross-fire or targeted by snipers. Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women and men may be under siege or held as human shields. Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines. Children, women, the elderly and disabled will be particularly vulnerable. Depending on the intensity and scope of the fighting, as many as one million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario.
I renew my call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they are entitled to and deserve. Nothing is more important.I renew my call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they are entitled to and deserve. Nothing is more important.
O’Brien gave a warning that despite the efforts of aid workers, there is not enough capacity to handle a humanitarian crisis of the scale the attack could bring.O’Brien gave a warning that despite the efforts of aid workers, there is not enough capacity to handle a humanitarian crisis of the scale the attack could bring.
Despite generous contributions from donor countries, funding has been insufficient to prepare fully for the worst-case scenario. With the resources available, humanitarian partners have done their best to prepare as efficiently as possible. Working under some of the most difficult and insecure conditions in the world, humanitarian partners will be doing everything possible to help as many people as possible in the days and weeks ahead.Despite generous contributions from donor countries, funding has been insufficient to prepare fully for the worst-case scenario. With the resources available, humanitarian partners have done their best to prepare as efficiently as possible. Working under some of the most difficult and insecure conditions in the world, humanitarian partners will be doing everything possible to help as many people as possible in the days and weeks ahead.
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
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Images taken this morning show peshmerga fighters setting up artillery east of Mosul.Images taken this morning show peshmerga fighters setting up artillery east of Mosul.