Iraq: Iraqi forces planning assault on Islamic State forces in Mosul
Islamic State (Isis) have less than 10,000 fighters in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, but it would be an “optimistic estimate” to say the city will be secured by the end of this year, a US official has said. But US Army Colonel Christopher Garver said the battle for the city had already started.
“We have struck [Isis] fighters, weapons, leaders, and financial assets with precision and lethality,” the spokesman for the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve told a news conference on 4 March . But he said that Iraqi forces were responsible for planning for the operation with coalition support, although they were looking for ways to accelerate the timeline for its completion, which was slated for the end of this year.
This includes speeding up the training for the Iraqi soldiers, and providing options to help them on the ground, he added. Training also is underway for the police forces who will serve as the “hold force” throughout Iraq to prevent Isil’s resurgence, he said.