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Battle for Mosul: Isis city under attack from Iraqi and Kurdish forces – live news Battle for Mosul: Isis city under attack from Iraqi and Kurdish forces – live news
(35 minutes later)
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Ranj Alaaldin, a Middle East scholar at LSE, writes on Comment is Free, that victory over Islamic State will not solve Iraq’s problems:
Arab Sunni tribal groups are expected to do most of the fighting in the city itself but these groups have their own rivalries and do not necessarily have support and legitimacy among locals in Mosul, particularly since they receive support and training from rival political factions in Iraq and external powers that are widely disdained by locals...
The conditions that gave rise to Isis in the first place are still there and have been exacerbated, rather than alleviated, over the past two years since the jihadis took control of Mosul in 2014. While President Obama clearly does not want Isis (or rather the “caliphate”) to outlive his presidency, there are no guarantees the US and the international community will continue their support and help to remedy these shortcomings, as well as mediate between rival factions.
In the short- and medium-term, Isis will continue to commit terrorist atrocities such as the July bombing in Karrada that killed close to 300 people, and it still has its apparatus in Syria as a launching pad for attacks and atrocities elsewhere. This latest offensive on Mosul won’t change that – and without substantial investment for rebuilding it’s unlikely to help Iraq become a more peaceful, stable country.
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Unlike with previous Iraqi-led attacks on Islamic State strongholds, the US has said that its troops are on the front lines.
In a statement, Lt Gen Stephen Townsend, the commander of the coalition taskforce, included forward air controllers among the US personnel “supporting” the invasion of Mosul.
The US is therefore acknowledging it has put people on the frontlines in order to ensure greater precision for aerial bombing in a densely populated urban area.
The absence of spotters in Iraq and Syria, known by their military acronym JTACs, has been a frequent object criticism for the Pentagon in Congress.
Townsend also prepared the public for “weeks, possibly longer” of battle.
He said:
Earlier today, Iraqi security forces launched their counter-attack to liberate Mosul from Isil, also known as Daesh. This operation to regain control of Iraq’s second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer. Iraq is supported by a wide range of coalition capabilities, including air support, artillery, intelligence, advisors and forward air controllers. But to be clear, the thousands of ground combat forces who will liberate Mosul are all Iraqis.
This liberation battle comes after more than two years of Daesh oppression in Mosul, during which they committed horrible atrocities, brutalised the people and asserted the city was one of their twin capitals. Isil’s cruelty and reach has shown that they are not just a threat in Iraq and Syria, but to the region and the entire world.
Over the course of these past two years, a coalition of more than 60 nations has united to defeat Isil. We have conducted tens of thousands of precision strikes to support Iraqi operations, trained and equipped more than 54,000 Iraqi forces, and supported our Iraqi partners as they fought to liberate their country.
As we provide our support, we will continue to use precision to accurately attack the enemy and to minimise any impact on innocent civilians. We can’t predict how long it will take for the Iraqi security forces to defeat Daesh in Mosul; but we know they will succeed – just as they did in Bayji, in Ramadi, in Falluja and, more recently, in Qayyarah and Sharqat.
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The success of the Mosul attack will constitute the almost complete reversal of Islamic State’s blitzkrieg advance in 2014, which brought under its control the lives of millions of people in the heart of the Middle East.The success of the Mosul attack will constitute the almost complete reversal of Islamic State’s blitzkrieg advance in 2014, which brought under its control the lives of millions of people in the heart of the Middle East.
My colleague, Jason Burke, has been addressing the question of what this could mean in the longer term. He writes:My colleague, Jason Burke, has been addressing the question of what this could mean in the longer term. He writes:
Mosul is of profound significance to both Kurds and Arabs, and to Sunni and Shia Muslims. Its recapture may widen faultlines between these communities, rather than heal them. Iraq’s Sunni minority have long felt alienated by the country’s Shia-led government in Baghdad, and it is Shia-dominated government forces who will reoccupy the city.Mosul is of profound significance to both Kurds and Arabs, and to Sunni and Shia Muslims. Its recapture may widen faultlines between these communities, rather than heal them. Iraq’s Sunni minority have long felt alienated by the country’s Shia-led government in Baghdad, and it is Shia-dominated government forces who will reoccupy the city.
The defeat of Isis as a territorial power would dramatically rearrange the bloodstained three-dimensional chessboard of the Syrian civil war too. It could potentially benefit the regime of Bashar al’Assad, or other rival Islamic militant groups there, such as the major al-Qaida-linked faction now known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. This is a conflict where unforeseen consequences have long been the rule, not the exception.The defeat of Isis as a territorial power would dramatically rearrange the bloodstained three-dimensional chessboard of the Syrian civil war too. It could potentially benefit the regime of Bashar al’Assad, or other rival Islamic militant groups there, such as the major al-Qaida-linked faction now known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. This is a conflict where unforeseen consequences have long been the rule, not the exception.
The most intense discussions have been about the threat an Isis without territory may pose to the west. Many analysts and officials predict a spike in attacks, particularly in Europe. Some of these, analysts predict, will be carried out by trained and commissioned extremists which the group will unleash as it is forced out of its final redoubts. Others will be by individuals who will return to European nations from the Syrian or Iraqi battlefields seeking revenge and, possibly, martyrdom. Then there may be some “freelance” attacks, by angry sympathisers.The most intense discussions have been about the threat an Isis without territory may pose to the west. Many analysts and officials predict a spike in attacks, particularly in Europe. Some of these, analysts predict, will be carried out by trained and commissioned extremists which the group will unleash as it is forced out of its final redoubts. Others will be by individuals who will return to European nations from the Syrian or Iraqi battlefields seeking revenge and, possibly, martyrdom. Then there may be some “freelance” attacks, by angry sympathisers.
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Shia militias will turn Mosul into a bloodbath, Saudis warnShia militias will turn Mosul into a bloodbath, Saudis warn
The Saudi foreign minister, Adel al-Jubier, says Mosul will turn into a bloodbath and mass killings if the Iraqi government allows Shia militias to enter the city, as it has in other Iraqi cities liberated from Islamic State control. In a rare press conference in London he said: The Saudi foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, says Mosul will turn into a bloodbath and mass killings if the Iraqi government allows Shia militias to enter the city, as it has in other Iraqi cities liberated from Islamic State control. In a rare press conference in London he said:
We oppose any kind of involvement by the Shia militias. When they went into Falluja they committed mass atrocities, including a mass grave of 400 people. We tracked what happened on the internet and the amount of traffic for extremist websites and recruitment shot up by 150%.We oppose any kind of involvement by the Shia militias. When they went into Falluja they committed mass atrocities, including a mass grave of 400 people. We tracked what happened on the internet and the amount of traffic for extremist websites and recruitment shot up by 150%.
If they go into Mosul which is many times larger than Falluja I would expect the negative reaction will be tremendous and if there are mass killings, it could end up being a bonanza for violent extremists, and recruitment for Daesh. It could add fuel to the sectarian fires raging in the region and so we have urged the Iraqi government not to use the Shia militias. That is the greatest danger that we see. We actually told them to disband them, and yet they have not. They are being managed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. They are brutal.If they go into Mosul which is many times larger than Falluja I would expect the negative reaction will be tremendous and if there are mass killings, it could end up being a bonanza for violent extremists, and recruitment for Daesh. It could add fuel to the sectarian fires raging in the region and so we have urged the Iraqi government not to use the Shia militias. That is the greatest danger that we see. We actually told them to disband them, and yet they have not. They are being managed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. They are brutal.
He added that although there had been reassurances from the Iraqi government about the deployment of Shia militias, he was not sure the Iraqi government was fully in control. He said the Iranians played a role, the Revolutionary Guards played a role, and sometimes the militias acted independently of the government. He said he supported the attack on Mosul, adding: “We support any objective which is to destroy al-Qaida absolutely.”He added that although there had been reassurances from the Iraqi government about the deployment of Shia militias, he was not sure the Iraqi government was fully in control. He said the Iranians played a role, the Revolutionary Guards played a role, and sometimes the militias acted independently of the government. He said he supported the attack on Mosul, adding: “We support any objective which is to destroy al-Qaida absolutely.”
But he did not propose the Saudis should play a role in the reconstruction of Mosul if it is liberated. He said:But he did not propose the Saudis should play a role in the reconstruction of Mosul if it is liberated. He said:
I think the Iraqis have the second largest oil reserves in the world.I think the Iraqis have the second largest oil reserves in the world.
There are a number of tribes that extend from Saudi Arabia into Iraq so a lot of Iraqis have kinsmen in Saudi Arabia so our history is intertwined, and so is our future, but we have to get off this sectarian track.There are a number of tribes that extend from Saudi Arabia into Iraq so a lot of Iraqis have kinsmen in Saudi Arabia so our history is intertwined, and so is our future, but we have to get off this sectarian track.
The Iraqis need to find a way to have a more incredible government – they found a way in 2014 when they removed Maliki.The Iraqis need to find a way to have a more incredible government – they found a way in 2014 when they removed Maliki.
Jubier said that if the Daesh were forced out of Mosul, they were likely to go on to Syria, adding its president, Bashar al-Assad, would allow them to grow.Jubier said that if the Daesh were forced out of Mosul, they were likely to go on to Syria, adding its president, Bashar al-Assad, would allow them to grow.
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Mona MahmoodMona Mahmood
My colleague, Mona Mahmood, has conducted a second interview with Iraqis affected by the battle for Mosul. Abu Firas, a father of five, is a secondary schoolteacher from Telafer in Mosul. He recently fled Mosul and now lives in Sulaimaniya.My colleague, Mona Mahmood, has conducted a second interview with Iraqis affected by the battle for Mosul. Abu Firas, a father of five, is a secondary schoolteacher from Telafer in Mosul. He recently fled Mosul and now lives in Sulaimaniya.
I’m in Sulaimaniya, counting the days to get back home. It has been a real hardship since I left Mosul seven months ago and fled to Turkey with my family. I stayed in Turkey for 15 days and then returned to Sulaimaniya as I could not cope with expensive life in Turkey. It was so hard to stay in Telafer after Isis militants took over of Mosul. I’m a government employee and did not get a salary for more than a year and a half – how can I feed my five kids?I’m in Sulaimaniya, counting the days to get back home. It has been a real hardship since I left Mosul seven months ago and fled to Turkey with my family. I stayed in Turkey for 15 days and then returned to Sulaimaniya as I could not cope with expensive life in Turkey. It was so hard to stay in Telafer after Isis militants took over of Mosul. I’m a government employee and did not get a salary for more than a year and a half – how can I feed my five kids?
If I had stayed in Mosul my family would have died, there was no work, no freedom, no life. The strict rules of Isis were a nightmare that I challenge any human being to be able to accept them.If I had stayed in Mosul my family would have died, there was no work, no freedom, no life. The strict rules of Isis were a nightmare that I challenge any human being to be able to accept them.
I still have three brothers in Mosul with their families, they said that the battle is still at the suburbs of Mosul. They could not flee because they could not afford the cost of traveling to Turkey. Besides it is very risky, if Isis militants get hold of any one fleeing, they will execute him immediately. I paid more than $2,000 to flee with the help of a smuggler who took us to Syria and then to Turkey.I still have three brothers in Mosul with their families, they said that the battle is still at the suburbs of Mosul. They could not flee because they could not afford the cost of traveling to Turkey. Besides it is very risky, if Isis militants get hold of any one fleeing, they will execute him immediately. I paid more than $2,000 to flee with the help of a smuggler who took us to Syria and then to Turkey.
When Isis first came, they said they came just to change the situation for the interest of Mosul civilians who suffered a great deal of injustice from the Iraqi army. Something that made all the people happy to have them and look at them as saviours from the devil, but it turned that was not right and they began to impose their hardline Islamic doctrine on people. They made our life a complete hell.When Isis first came, they said they came just to change the situation for the interest of Mosul civilians who suffered a great deal of injustice from the Iraqi army. Something that made all the people happy to have them and look at them as saviours from the devil, but it turned that was not right and they began to impose their hardline Islamic doctrine on people. They made our life a complete hell.
When I had to flee I could not take anything with me and thought it was better to let my neighbour stay in my house. At least he would guard it and Isis would not confiscate it. I will get back to Mosul as soon as it is liberated. Only God knows how long the battle will last because Isis won’t give up easily. They have been reinforcing their forces to be ready for the attack. They will not hand over Mosul easily, which is one of their main fortresses in Iraq.When I had to flee I could not take anything with me and thought it was better to let my neighbour stay in my house. At least he would guard it and Isis would not confiscate it. I will get back to Mosul as soon as it is liberated. Only God knows how long the battle will last because Isis won’t give up easily. They have been reinforcing their forces to be ready for the attack. They will not hand over Mosul easily, which is one of their main fortresses in Iraq.
I will get back to my home, even if Shia militia take the city as they did in other Sunni-liberated areas in Iraq. I do not care any more, I prefer to die in my home and not to be a refugee. I will never repeat this mistake again.I will get back to my home, even if Shia militia take the city as they did in other Sunni-liberated areas in Iraq. I do not care any more, I prefer to die in my home and not to be a refugee. I will never repeat this mistake again.
I live with my sister in Sulaimaniyia now and we are really struggling to provide the daily basics for the kids. I have run out of all my savings and am borrowing money from sister all the time.I live with my sister in Sulaimaniyia now and we are really struggling to provide the daily basics for the kids. I have run out of all my savings and am borrowing money from sister all the time.
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The U.N. refugee agency has called on warring parties in Iraq to spare the lives of civilians and not to use them as hostages or human shields, Associated Press reports. The UN refugee agency has called on warring parties in Iraq to spare the lives of civilians and not to use them as hostages or human shields, the Associated Press reports.
Speaking to reporters in Baghdad, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, says he raised the issue of protection civilians with the Iraqi government and received “strongest assurances” from Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. Speaking to reporters in Baghdad, the UN high commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi, says he raised the issue of the protection of civilians with the Iraqi government and received “strongest assurances” from the prime minister, Haider al-Abadi.
Grandi underlined that protection civilians “will indispensable for the future of Iraq, for the future in which the people of Iraq have live together and build a prosperous country.” Grandi underlined that protection for civilians “will be indispensable for the future of Iraq, for the future in which the people of Iraq live together and build a prosperous country.”
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Isis says it has counterattacked with suicide bombersIsis says it has counterattacked with suicide bombers
An Islamic State news agency says the group has launched a series of suicide attacks targeting Kurdish forces leading the assault on Mosul.An Islamic State news agency says the group has launched a series of suicide attacks targeting Kurdish forces leading the assault on Mosul.
The Aamaq news agency is claiming eight suicide attacks against Kurdish peshmerga and says Isis destroyed two Humvees belonging to the Kurdish forces and Shia militias east of the city on Monday, according to an Associated Press report.The Aamaq news agency is claiming eight suicide attacks against Kurdish peshmerga and says Isis destroyed two Humvees belonging to the Kurdish forces and Shia militias east of the city on Monday, according to an Associated Press report.
The update comes as US Army Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, the top commander in the US-led coalition in Iraq, says he is confident that the attack on Mosul will succeed.The update comes as US Army Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, the top commander in the US-led coalition in Iraq, says he is confident that the attack on Mosul will succeed.
Mosul will be a hard fight, but the Iraqi security forces are ready. They’ve been waiting to liberate Mosul for two years, and today is the day.Mosul will be a hard fight, but the Iraqi security forces are ready. They’ve been waiting to liberate Mosul for two years, and today is the day.
The US is supporting Iraqi and Kurdish with airstrikes, and US soldiers are serving in a support role on the ground.The US is supporting Iraqi and Kurdish with airstrikes, and US soldiers are serving in a support role on the ground.
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The aid agencies War Child and World Vision are also sounding the alert over the risk posed to civilians by the battle for Mosul, echoing the earlier warning from Save the Children that half a million children could be in the firing line.The aid agencies War Child and World Vision are also sounding the alert over the risk posed to civilians by the battle for Mosul, echoing the earlier warning from Save the Children that half a million children could be in the firing line.
World Vision has raised concerns that identification documents may have been confiscated during the Isis occupation, which could lead to issues with registration. Separating fathers from the family for protracted periods during screening may also make families vulnerable, the charity has warned.World Vision has raised concerns that identification documents may have been confiscated during the Isis occupation, which could lead to issues with registration. Separating fathers from the family for protracted periods during screening may also make families vulnerable, the charity has warned.
Khalil Sleiman, World Vision’s response manager for northern Iraq, said:Khalil Sleiman, World Vision’s response manager for northern Iraq, said:
We’re already supporting half a million people who fled Mosul when it was first occupied over two years ago. We’re now poised for another massive influx of children and families who will have been through horrific experiences most of us could never imagine.We’re already supporting half a million people who fled Mosul when it was first occupied over two years ago. We’re now poised for another massive influx of children and families who will have been through horrific experiences most of us could never imagine.
They will arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back and will be thirsty, hungry, and need urgent medical attention.They will arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back and will be thirsty, hungry, and need urgent medical attention.
War Child says it is poised to support thousands of children in locations around Mosul with specialist services including learning spaces, trained education staff and mobile child protection teams. However, it says that more funding is needed.War Child says it is poised to support thousands of children in locations around Mosul with specialist services including learning spaces, trained education staff and mobile child protection teams. However, it says that more funding is needed.
Sameena Gul, War Child UK’s country director in Iraq, said:Sameena Gul, War Child UK’s country director in Iraq, said:
Our staff are working with children who are dealing with the impact of conflict in Iraq every day. The boys and girls we support can face a range of problems, from long-term psychological trauma, sexual assault, recruitment to militias and disruption to education. War Child will be dealing with thousands of children fleeing the fighting in Mosul. It is crucial the international community therefore provides the necessary support to ensure these children are protected from harm.Our staff are working with children who are dealing with the impact of conflict in Iraq every day. The boys and girls we support can face a range of problems, from long-term psychological trauma, sexual assault, recruitment to militias and disruption to education. War Child will be dealing with thousands of children fleeing the fighting in Mosul. It is crucial the international community therefore provides the necessary support to ensure these children are protected from harm.
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Families do not have clear routes of escape from Mosul, aid workers have warned, leaving thousands at risk of being caught in the fighting.Families do not have clear routes of escape from Mosul, aid workers have warned, leaving thousands at risk of being caught in the fighting.
Aleksandar Milutinovic, the Iraq director for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), said those civilians who do try to flee will run a gauntlet of snipers, landmines and booby traps, as well as oil burning in trenches around the city.Aleksandar Milutinovic, the Iraq director for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), said those civilians who do try to flee will run a gauntlet of snipers, landmines and booby traps, as well as oil burning in trenches around the city.
And even if they do escape, there is not enough capacity in refugee camps and aid centres to assist them, he added. In a statement, Milutinovic said:And even if they do escape, there is not enough capacity in refugee camps and aid centres to assist them, he added. In a statement, Milutinovic said:
It is estimated that as many as 200,000 people could flee from the city in these first weeks, though there are currently only 60,000 tents available in seven emergency camps. In total, up to 1 million people could flee their homes in search of safety during the military operation, with an estimated 700,000 requiring shelter, food, water and other vital aid.It is estimated that as many as 200,000 people could flee from the city in these first weeks, though there are currently only 60,000 tents available in seven emergency camps. In total, up to 1 million people could flee their homes in search of safety during the military operation, with an estimated 700,000 requiring shelter, food, water and other vital aid.
With emergency camps not ready for the large numbers likely to flee, the IRC anticipates that many people will find their way to abandoned buildings, schools and mosques in the towns and villages around Mosul. The IRC’s mobile response teams are ready to reach 60,000 of the most vulnerable, whether they flee to the north, east or south of the city. The IRC teams will provide $420 in cash to 5,000 families (30,000 people) so they can buy food, pay rent and buy clothes, blankets and cooking utensils. Another 30,000 will be given essential items, provided with legal support or identified as needing specialist care. With more funding the IRC could increase the reach of its response to 90,000 people.With emergency camps not ready for the large numbers likely to flee, the IRC anticipates that many people will find their way to abandoned buildings, schools and mosques in the towns and villages around Mosul. The IRC’s mobile response teams are ready to reach 60,000 of the most vulnerable, whether they flee to the north, east or south of the city. The IRC teams will provide $420 in cash to 5,000 families (30,000 people) so they can buy food, pay rent and buy clothes, blankets and cooking utensils. Another 30,000 will be given essential items, provided with legal support or identified as needing specialist care. With more funding the IRC could increase the reach of its response to 90,000 people.
After escaping the city, men and boys over the age of 14 will be security screened. This may take several days and it will be critical conditions are suitable, and people are provided with food, water, medical care and adequate communication on the process. The IRC will be one of the few aid agencies present at these centres, helping to ensure that the most vulnerable are identified, prioritised and, if necessary, given medical care.After escaping the city, men and boys over the age of 14 will be security screened. This may take several days and it will be critical conditions are suitable, and people are provided with food, water, medical care and adequate communication on the process. The IRC will be one of the few aid agencies present at these centres, helping to ensure that the most vulnerable are identified, prioritised and, if necessary, given medical care.
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Mona MahmoodMona Mahmood
My colleague Mona Mahmood has conducted a phone interview with Hassan al-Allaf, the deputy governor of Mosul who is in charge of supporting aid for civilians on the left bank of the city. He is at the Mosul Dam military operations centre. He says:My colleague Mona Mahmood has conducted a phone interview with Hassan al-Allaf, the deputy governor of Mosul who is in charge of supporting aid for civilians on the left bank of the city. He is at the Mosul Dam military operations centre. He says:
I’m in charge of supporting aid for civilians at the left bank of Mosul. We deal with displaced families and Mosul infrastructure. We support the army with potential residential sites in Mosul that should not be targeted to avoid killing innocent people. I’m a university professor, I teach chemistry at the College of Agriculture and Forestry in Mosul.I’m in charge of supporting aid for civilians at the left bank of Mosul. We deal with displaced families and Mosul infrastructure. We support the army with potential residential sites in Mosul that should not be targeted to avoid killing innocent people. I’m a university professor, I teach chemistry at the College of Agriculture and Forestry in Mosul.
I left Mosul the day Isis took over the city. I have not seen my relatives who are still inside Mosul for two years. I just talked to the head of a tribe in Mosul, he lives at the western bank of the the city. They are so glad for the beginning of the battle for Mosul liberation. The battle started yesterday at 2am Iraq time.I left Mosul the day Isis took over the city. I have not seen my relatives who are still inside Mosul for two years. I just talked to the head of a tribe in Mosul, he lives at the western bank of the the city. They are so glad for the beginning of the battle for Mosul liberation. The battle started yesterday at 2am Iraq time.
People are desperately observing the marching of the Iraqi forces to Mosul. The mobile network is too weak and people are so scared to talk. The head of the tribe told me that all the city now is in a state of alert and he claimed that some of the Isis families are fleeing the city. Some of the roads are blocked by concrete walls, caravans and damaged cars to stop the progress of the city.People are desperately observing the marching of the Iraqi forces to Mosul. The mobile network is too weak and people are so scared to talk. The head of the tribe told me that all the city now is in a state of alert and he claimed that some of the Isis families are fleeing the city. Some of the roads are blocked by concrete walls, caravans and damaged cars to stop the progress of the city.
It is too early to talk about the liberation of Mosul city, all the battles now and bombardment is against the deterrence wall set up by Isis at the suburbs of the city like al-Hamdaniya district, al-Hamam, Britla, al-Guwair and Ba’ashiqa.It is too early to talk about the liberation of Mosul city, all the battles now and bombardment is against the deterrence wall set up by Isis at the suburbs of the city like al-Hamdaniya district, al-Hamam, Britla, al-Guwair and Ba’ashiqa.
The battle now is at the surrounding areas of Mosul, it might take a few weeks to get to the city centre. We have set up camps for the people who would flee the city, however, up till now, we did not receive any. None of the people are fleeing outside Mosul but they are moving from the west bank to east bank which is relatively safer. None of the tribal militia formed by the tribes of Mosul is taking part in the battle so far. There is a tribal militia at the southern part of Mosul, they are holding the ground. Their job is to keep the security inside the city after the battles.The battle now is at the surrounding areas of Mosul, it might take a few weeks to get to the city centre. We have set up camps for the people who would flee the city, however, up till now, we did not receive any. None of the people are fleeing outside Mosul but they are moving from the west bank to east bank which is relatively safer. None of the tribal militia formed by the tribes of Mosul is taking part in the battle so far. There is a tribal militia at the southern part of Mosul, they are holding the ground. Their job is to keep the security inside the city after the battles.
There are six axes for the battle of Mosul liberation – two axes are from the south-eastern part of Mosul, al-Khaziq and Ba’ashiqa, where the battles are going on now. Other axes are still quiet, like the northern one in Aski Mosul, Zumar, Mosul Dam and Telkief. We think at night the army would march to these three axes. I have not seen any of the Shia militia here, they might take part in the Telafer liberation.There are six axes for the battle of Mosul liberation – two axes are from the south-eastern part of Mosul, al-Khaziq and Ba’ashiqa, where the battles are going on now. Other axes are still quiet, like the northern one in Aski Mosul, Zumar, Mosul Dam and Telkief. We think at night the army would march to these three axes. I have not seen any of the Shia militia here, they might take part in the Telafer liberation.
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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 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.
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.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 Shia militia control. Erdoğan says that once Mosul is liberated, Turkey cannot allow “a Sunni-Shia 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 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: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. As these pictures show, the battle is 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 out 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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