Retaking Iraq’s ISIS-Held Mosul Likely to Prove Tricky, Costly

It promises to be the biggest and perhaps last major battle against the Islamic State in Iraq.
Retaking Iraq’s ISIS-Held Mosul Likely to Prove Tricky, Costly
A member of Iraqi counterterrorism forces stands guard near Islamic State militant graffiti in Fallujah, Iraq, on June 27, 2016. AP Photo/Hadi Mizban
The Associated Press
Updated:

BAGHDAD—It promises to be the biggest and perhaps last major battle against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq.

Iraq’s government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city that has been under ISIS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against ISIS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.

The goal is to protect the Qayara air base, which was recaptured from the militants on July 9 and is to be a main hub for the final move on Mosul. Some 560 American military personnel, mainly engineers and logistics, security and communications experts, are due to deploy at the base to upgrade its facilities to prepare for the Mosul attacks, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Iraqi counterterrorism forces face off with Islamic State militants in the Nuaimiya neighborhood of Fallujah, Iraq, on June 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)
Iraqi counterterrorism forces face off with Islamic State militants in the Nuaimiya neighborhood of Fallujah, Iraq, on June 1, 2016. AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed