Washington Post: Battle to banish Islamic State from Mosul could become a mess
IRBIL, Iraq — The battle plans to oust the Islamic State from the city of Mosul are in place, but an uneasy mix of forces fighting against the militants could delay the fight or ignite separate conflicts.
Preparations for the offensive have sped up in recent weeks, after officials in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government agreed on a detailed military plan to retake the northern city. But thornier issues are still being worked out, such as the role of Iraq’s Shiite militias and the question of who will control the land after it is retaken.
The battle for Iraq’s third-largest city will be the biggest yet by Iraqi forces, who are backed by the U.S.-led coalition. The city, home to more than a million people, is the militants’ last major stronghold in the country.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Every battle that has been fought against the Islamic State in an urban environment has resulted in that town or city being utterly destroyed. I expect the same for Mosul.
More News On The Preparations For The Military Offensive To Retake Mosul
As offensive nears, Islamic State rigs Mosul with bombs -- Reuters
Pentagon Says Islamic State Fortifying Mosul Stronghold in Iraq -- Bloomberg
Isis setting up booby traps in Mosul, using children as spies in fight against Iraqi and coalition forces -- IBTimes
Pentagon: ISIS preparing for Mosul offensive -- The Hill
Coalition forces prepare to retake Mosul from IS -- SBS
Shiite militia arrive near Mosul amid growing tensions between Ankara and Baghdad -- RUDAW
15,000 Sunni Tribal Militiamen to Participate in Mosul Liberation Operation -- Latin American Herald Tribune
Inside the air base where U.S. and Iraqi forces prepare to retake Mosul from ISIS -- CBS
U.S. troops' vital role in major battle looming with ISIS -- CBS
Battle plans: retaking Mosul -- Economist
