U.S., Iraq Prepare Offensive to Retake Mosul From Islamic State

Follow Up (IraqiNews.com) The U.S. and Iraq have begun preparations for an assault by summer to retake Mosul, selecting and training military units and cutting supply lines to Islamic State militants who control Iraq’s second-largest city, the top American commander in the Middle East said.

Gen. Lloyd Austin, the head of the military’s Central Command, told The Wall Street Journal that the international campaign against Islamic State has inflicted significant damage. Opposing forces have reclaimed about 300 square miles of territory in Mosul province.

He added “The Iraqi armed forces should be ready before launching the major strike against the ISIL in Nineveh province,” noting that he did not decide yet “If the US land forces should accompany Iraqis in the attack to retake Mosul.”

“Two Iraqi military divisions will advance to take the lead in Nineveh battle,” he assured. /End/