Nearly 3 years after Da'ish took the city... #Iraq's flag has been raised above #Mosul's government buildings

[umbertino]

Iraq launches west Mosul offensive as torture videos emerge

Start of major assault against Isis is overshadowed by images of men in forces uniforms carrying out beatings and killings

Emma Graham-Harrison, Fazel Hawramy and Matthew Taylor

Sunday 19 February 2017 09.24 GMT

A member of the Iraqi federal police wears a flag around his shoulders before going to battle against Isis in Mosul.

Photograph: Bram Janssen/AP

 

One of the disturbing images showing beatings by men in Iraqi federal police uniforms.

Photograph: Facebook

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/19/torture-videos-cast-shadow-over-iraqi-forces-west-mosul-offensive

[tigergorzow]

Peshmerga Not Part of Western Mosul Operation: Official

The Kurdish forces will be staying on their current position with no advancement 

 

19 February 2017

 

ERBIL — Kurdish Peshmerga forces are not taking part in the new military offensive by the Iraqi army aiming at the liberation of western Mosul, said a Kurdish official. 

“Peshmerga forces will stay on their current positions with having no aims in the new [military] plan,” said Jabbar Yawar, the Secretary General of Peshmerga Ministry.

He further explained to BasNews that Baghdad has not called for Peshmerga's assistance in the large-scale offensive, therefore the Kurdish forces are not part of the plan.

Earlier the day, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially announced the beginning of the western Mosul operation after the Iraqi army maintained security in the liberated eastern half of the city.

Since the start of the assault, significant territorial gains have been made by the Iraqi troops with at least three villages freed from IS near Tel Afar, west of Mosul.

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/331405

[tigergorzow]

Iraqi Troops Making Gains Against IS in Mosul

Iraqi military launched an operation today to liberate west Mosul

19 February 2017

 

MOSUL — Mosul Operation Command announced the liberation of a number of villages around the western coast of Mosul on Sunday, the first day of the west Mosul offensive.

The Iraqi troops have managed on the first day of west Mosul operation to recapture a number of villages including al-Kafour, al-Jamasa, al-Bujwari, and the al-Aqrab checkpoint, south-west of the city.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi federal police, participating in the battle, also regained control of Azba and al-lazakah villages in south of Mosul, according to Rasheed Yarallah, the commander of Mosul operations.

The federal police forces have also taken control of lazakah power plant.

The Iraqi army and the federal police, supported by global coalition air force, launched early on Sunday an operation to liberate the western half of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS).

Western part of Mosul consists of over 35 neighbourhoods which make up 40% of the city. Around 800,000 residents are still in this IS-held part of the city.

Iraqi army, federal police and Hashd al-Shaabi militia are participating in the offensive of west Mosul.

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/331369

[tigergorzow]

350,000 children trapped in west Mosul

February 19 2017 05:15 PM

350,000 children trapped in west Mosul

Some 350,000 children are trapped in western Mosul, Save the Children warned on Sunday as Iraqi forces launched an offensive on terrorists in the city, the Daily Star reported.

"Iraqi forces and their allies, including the US and UK, must do everything in their power to protect children and their families from harm, and avoid civilian buildings like schools and hospitals as they push deeper into the city," said the London-based charity's Iraq country director, Maurizio Crivallero.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6236/350-000-children-trapped-in-west-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

US warplanes shell ISIS prison in right bank of Mosul

February 19 2017 03:54 PM

US-led Coalition shells ISIS prison

US-led coalition had shelled an ISIS prison in which over 100 prisoners are kept in it.

This comes within operations aiming to regain the right bank of Mosul.

On Sunday, Iraqi Commander in Chief and Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced the launch of a massive military operation to retake the right bank of Mosul from ISIS.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6234/US-warplanes-shell-ISIS-prison-in-right-bank-of-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

52,000 soldiers from 9th Army brigade, IMIS participate in battle for Mosul

February 19 2017 03:44 PM

Iraqi Forces

Joint Operations Command has announced on Sunday that the forces that will participate in the right bank of Mosul liberation operations are the 9th brigade, federal police, and IMIS.

52,000 troops will participate in the battle to liberate the right bank of Mosul with the aid of US-French air support along with other foreign ground troops to provide artillery and logistic support to the Iraqi Army, the joint operations command added.

Early on Sunday, Iraqi Commander in Chief and Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced the launch of a massive military operation to retake the right bank of Mosul from ISIS.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6233/52-000-soldiers-from-9th-Army-brigade-IMIS-participate-in-battle-for-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

Six ISIS top leaders killed in right bank of Mosul

February 19 2017 02:33 PM

Gen. Nijm al-Jaburi

Six ISIS top leaders were killed at al-Lazzagah village in the right bank of Mosul, Nineveh operation leader Gen. Nijm al-Jaburi announced on Sunday.

ISIS has shown weak resistance since the launch of right bank of Mosul operations, al-Jaburi added.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6229/Six-ISIS-top-leaders-killed-in-right-bank-of-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

ISIS Mosul Wali, commander in charge of Chechens killed

February 19 2017 11:13 AM

ISIS terrorists

Top ISIS leaders, including the so-called Mosul Wali "governor" Abu Maryam al-Farahatly and the commander in charge of Chechens Abu Bakr al-Chechani, were killed in Mosul, a security source told Baghdad Post.

Iraqi Air Forces in coordination with the Iraqi Military Intelligence destroyed an ISIS checkpoint, leaving tens of its militants in western Mosul killed, a statement by the Iraqi Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced Sunday the launch of a military operation to retake the western bank of Mosul from ISIS terrorist group.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6215/ISIS-Mosul-Wali-commander-in-charge-of-Chechens-killed

[tigergorzow]

Three ISIS HQs burned by unknown assailants in western Mosul

February 19 2017 12:20 PM

ISIS headquarters fires

Unknown assailants in western Mosul have burned three ISIS headquarters, a local source said on Sunday.

Three ISIS headquarters were burned in western Mosul after being evacuated by the terrorist group's militants, the source added in a press statement.

The source asserted that ISIS militants are panicked in the wake of the launch of operation by Iraqi forces to liberate the right bank of Mosul at the wee hours of Sunday.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6221/Three-ISIS-HQs-burned-by-unknown-assailants-in-western-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

ISIS imposes curfew on right bank of Mosul

February 19 2017 03:13 PM

Breaking

ISIS militants on Sunday imposed a curfew on movement of Mosul citizens and vehicles and closed all shops and deployed its troops all over the right bank of Mosul.

These measures came in the wake of the Iraqi Army launching operations to liberate the right bank of Mosul from the terrorist organization.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6231/ISIS-imposes-curfew-on-right-bank-of-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

Iraq Operations Command liberated six villages in right bank of Mosul

February 19 2017 03:32 PM

Breaking

"We Are Coming Nineveh" Operations Command announced that the joint Iraqi forces have liberated six villages on the right bank of the embattled city of Mosul since the beginning of the operations on Sunday.

Early on Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander of the Armed Forces Haidar al-Abadi announced the launch of a massive military operation to retake the western bank of Mosul from the grip of ISIS.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6232/Iraq-Operations-Command-liberated-six-villages-in-right-bank-of-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

UN: 400,000 Iraqis expected to be flee from Mosul right bank

February 19 2017 07:53 PM

UN: 400,000 Iraqis expected to be flee from Mosul right bank

Humanitarian agencies are rushing to prepare for the humanitarian impact of the Mosul military campaign. Emergency sites are being constructed south of the city and stocks of life-saving supplies are being pre-positioned for the 250,000 – 400,000 civilians who may flee, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Sunday.

 With military operations to retake western Mosul beginning, humanitarian organizations are warning that tens of thousands of families are at extreme risk. Recent surveys with key informants confirm that food and fuel supplies are dwindling, markets and shops have closed, running water is scarce and electricity in many neighborhoods is either intermittent or cut off.

 “The situation is distressing. People, right now, are in trouble. We are hearing reports of parents struggling to feed their children and to heat their homes,” said Lise Grande, Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq. “The battle hasn’t started but already there is a humanitarian crisis.”

The UN estimates that between 750,000 and 800,000 civilians are resident in the western section of the city. Few, if any commercial supplies have reached Mosul during the past three months after the main road to Syria was cut-off. Informants report that nearly half of all food shops have closed. Bakeries throughout the area have run out of fuel and many can no longer afford to purchase costly flour. Prices of kerosene and cooking gas have skyrocketed and many of the most destitute families are burning wood, furniture, plastic or garbage for cooking and heating.

“Children and their families are starting to face critical shortages of safe drinking water,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Iraq. “Three out of five people now depend on untreated water from wells for cooking and drinking as water systems and treatment plants have been damaged by fighting or run out of chlorine.”

“Food prices in western Mosul are almost double than in eastern Mosul,” said Sally Haydock, Representative of the World Food Programme in Iraq. “We are extremely concerned that many families do not have enough to eat in western Mosul.”

 “We don’t know what will happen during the military campaign but we have to be ready for all scenarios. Tens of thousands of people may flee or be forced to leave the city. Hundreds of thousands of civilians might be trapped—maybe for weeks, maybe for months,” said Grande. “Protecting civilians is the highest priority in a situation like this—nothing is more important.”

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6242/UN-400-000-Iraqis-expected-to-be-flee-from-Mosul-right-bank

[tigergorzow]

Five ISIS patrols attacked by gunmen in western Mosul

February 19 2017 11:51 AM

ISIS militants in Mosul

Five military patrols for ISIS terrorist group have come under armed attacks in western Mosul, a local source in Nineveh governorate said Sunday.

In statements on Sunday, the source said the five combat patrols of Daesh have been attacked by unidentified gunmen in western Mosul in less than an hour amid reports on casualties among the group elements and the destruction of several vehicles.

The source said ISIS militants have imposed a curfew on six residential areas in Mosul in anticipation of increase of operations to target its patrols in the city.

The attack comes in the wake of launching a massive military operation by the Joint Iraqi Forces to retake the western bank of Mosul from Daesh terrorist group which has been controlling the city since June 2014.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6217/Five-ISIS-patrols-attacked-by-gunmen-in-western-Mosul

[tigergorzow]

Tal Afar liberation will be in line with Mosul right bank operations

February 19 2017 12:09 PM

Iraqi forces in Mosul

Tal Afar and western areas of Mosul will be liberated in line with the military operations in the right bank of Mosul, a military source announced on Sunday.

Joint Operations command has taken the necessary measures and outlined a plan to launch a massive military operation against ISIS in the right bank of Mosul in parallel with operations in Tal Afar and the northern fronts, the military source added in press statement.

The source noted that the reasons behind a delay in the massive military operation attributed to transferring military vehicles that will participate in the operations, along with a needed improvement in the weather conditions.

The operation will cut off strategic supply routes to ISIS to end its presence in the right bank of Mosul, the source asserted.

The source also revealed that the initial operations will begin at ISIS' strongholds in al-Ghazlani camp, Mosul airport, which will be a launching base for the Iraqi forces to initiate the liberation of western Mosul neighborhoods.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced Sunday the launch of a military operation to retake the western bank of Mosul from ISIS terrorist group.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6219/Tal-Afar-liberation-will-be-in-line-with-Mosul-right-bank-operations

[tigergorzow]

Iraq Operations Command controls key checkpoint on Baghdad-Mosul road

February 19 2017 12:07 PM

Iraqi Joint Forces in Mosul

"We Are Coming Nineveh" Operations Command announced Sunday that the joint Iraqi forces have controlled al-Aqrab checkpoint on Baghdad-Mosul road and liberated three villages on the right bank of the embattled city of Mosul.

Joint Operations Command Chief Lt General Abdel Amir Rashid Yarallah said in a statement on Sunday that federal Iraqi police liberated the villages of al-Kafour, al-Jamasah and al-Bagouri on the right bank of Mosul.

He also noted that the federal Iraqi police controlled al-Aqrab checkpoint located on the new road of Baghdad-Mosul.

Early on Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander of the Armed Forces Haidar al-Abadi announced the launch of a massive military operation to retake the western bank of Mosul from the grip of Daesh.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6218/Iraq-Operations-Command-controls-key-checkpoint-on-Baghdad-Mosul-road

[magawatt]

Smash Dash!

[tigergorzow]

US special forces arrive at southwestern Mosul to set up base

February 19 2017 10:04 AM

Breaking

US Special Forces have arrived at southwestern Mosul to set up a base outside the town of Hamam al-Alil.

The base is likely to be established in the grounds of outside the town of Hamam al-Alil to help the Iraqi army in the operation to retake the western bank of Mosul.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has announced early Sunday the launch of a military operation to recapture the west bank of Mosul from Daesh or ISIS.

Mosul is the last stronghold of the terrorist group as the Iraqi Joint Forces have announced controlling the eastern part of the city in December.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6211/US-special-forces-arrive-at-southwestern-Mosul-to-set-up-base

[tigergorzow]

IMIS leaders reportedly escaped Baghdad to Iran

February 19 2017 09:52 AM

IMIS militants in Iraq

A number of leaders of the Iran Militias in Iraq and Syria (IMIS) in Iraq have reportedly fled to Iran, special sources told Baghdad Post.

The sources noted that only the third rank of the IMIS leaders are still in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6210/IMIS-leaders-reportedly-escaped-Baghdad-to-Iran

[tigergorzow]

ISIS sites in vicinity of Mosul Airport come under intensive shelling

February 19 2017 10:41 AM

ISIS posts are under heavy bombardment

ISIS positions in the vicinity of Mosul airport have come under intensive shelling, security forces told Baghdad Post.

The bombardment included Albu Sayf area, al- Ghezlani camp and an ISIS blockade near Baghdad Dora neighborhood in Mosul, the sources reported on Sunday.

Joint Iraqi Forces have earlier in the day shelled a headquarter for ISIS in Mosul as part of preparations to launch a massive military operation to retake the western bank of Mosul from the grip of the terrorist group that has been in control of the city since June 2014.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6214/ISIS-sites-in-vicinity-of-Mosul-Airport-come-under-intensive-shelling

[tigergorzow]

More than 20 areas regained in 1st day of battle for Mosul

February 19 2017 08:24 PM

Breaking

Iraq Joint Operations Command said on Sunday that more than 20 areas were regained in the first day after the launch of the military operation aiming to retake the right bank of the Mosul city.

Earlier today, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced Sunday the launch of a military operation to retake the western bank of Mosul from ISIS terrorist group.

 “We announce the start of a new phase in the operation, we are coming to Nineveh to liberate the western side of Mosul,” Abadi said in a brief televised address.

Iraqi air crafts have dropped millions of leaflets in western Mosul, calling on residents to get ready to welcome the Iraqi troops as they continue the siege on the militants.

The latest operation to free the city from the terrorists began on October 17. After months of fighting, the coalition managed to secure the right bank of the city last month. The densely-populated west bank of Mosul is now the operation's target.

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/6243/More-than-20-areas-regained-in-1st-day-of-battle-for-Mosul

[bkeiller]

Stay frosty, Guys!

-

Islamic State defense lines in Mosul Airport collapse amid heavy fire

Nineveh (IraqiNews.com) One of the Islamic State’s advanced defense lines in Mosul Airport collapsed amid heavy shelling, a source told Alsumaria News on Sunday.

The source said, “One of the advanced defense lines, which were created by the Islamic State in Mosul Airport in western the city, collapsed after intense shelling.”

“Dozens of the Islamic State’s fighters were seen while fleeing from the airport, after the shelling,” the source added on condition of anonymity.

Earlier today, Lieutenant General Abdel Amir Yarallah emphasized that Iraqi Armed Forces are racing, in high spirits, to liberate western Mosul from the Islamic State group.

http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/islamic-state-defense-lines-mosul-airport-collapse-amid-heavy-fire/

[10 YEARS LATER]

16 hours ago, tigergorzow said:

10YL,  The Iraqi & Coalition Forces are hitting the targets continuously and with precision in preparation for the all out "Battle Offensive" to fully Liberate All Of Mosul.   Nothing will be left of the ISIS Cockroaches..... 

 

Tiger - we certainly should expect ( with US Military "assistance" ) a well coordinated and sustained Artillery bombardment at all key ISIS Hot spots & avenues of approach for attacking Coalition Forces; as well as continued aerial strikes. This " softening up " approach leaves the enemy mightily dazed, confused and very disoriented. When the ground assault begins, it should by all accounts be ferocious. 

I'm sure things (tactics/especially in built up areas) have changed, but in my day it was known as Air, Land Battle Doctrine. We put on a demonstration for allot of NATO Top Brass/Pentagon/War Dept. folks many moons ago in West Germany. ( no doubt hitting the mean streets of Western Mosul the tactics will be revised ).

 Example: (Live Fire/Service Ammo) - Artillery Positions to our rear would hammer a designated area to our front of several square kilometres; then attacking  w/Abrams Tanks & Bradley Fighting Vehicles spread out over a front several kilometers wide. Overhead we had Apaches and A-10 Warthog Tank Busters.

This Live Fire exercise completely obliterated this entire to my front. As targets were destroyed by both Air & Land units, thru my Gunners Primary Sight I witnessed an awesome display of coordinated fire power. The entire battlefield to my immediate front erupted in plumes of mushroom clouds and massive fireballs. Total annihilation !

" Strength Through Superior Fire Power & Absolute Retaliation " - the worst is yet to come for ISIS forces.  

 

[tigergorzow]

1 minute ago, 10 YEARS LATER said:

When the ground assault begins, it should by all accounts be ferocious. 

10YL,  The Iraqi & Coalition Forces have started the Offensive early a.m. per directive of PM Abadi.   Long list of articles provided this morning and the Forces are making Super Gains.   Kill them all!!

[10 YEARS LATER]

1 minute ago, tigergorzow said:

10YL,  The Iraqi & Coalition Forces have started the Offensive early a.m. per directive of PM Abadi.   Long list of articles provided this morning and the Forces are making Super Gains.   Kill them all!!

I did see that moments ago  - & it looks very very good ! 

[tigergorzow]

Just now, 10 YEARS LATER said:

I did see that moments ago  - & it looks very very good ! 

Iraq is On Their Way To "Security & Stability" which means the CBI will not have any other excuses or delays to move forward with "Project To Delete  Zeros" & Increase Purchasing Power for the Citizens.   RV / RI & International Recognized Currency and other good things that come with returning to the "World Stage".  

Keeping The Faith!!

GO RV!!