Battle of Mosul

Battle of Mosul. The Battle of Mosul was a major military campaign launched by the Iraqi Armed Forces and its allies, including the United States Armed Forces, Kurdistan Regional Government, and Shiite militias, against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Mosul, the second-largest city in Iraq. The battle was a key part of the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017) and the War on Terror, with the goal of retaking Mosul from ISIL, which had controlled the city since June 2014. The campaign involved coordination with the United Nations, European Union, and other international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Background

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) had taken control of Mosul in June 2014, and since then, the city had been under the group's rule, with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as its leader. The Iraqi Armed Forces, led by Haider al-Abadi, had been planning to retake the city, with support from the United States Armed Forces, under the command of General Joseph Dunford, and other international partners, including the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. The Kurdistan Regional Government, led by Masoud Barzani, also played a crucial role in the battle, with its Peshmerga forces fighting alongside the Iraqi Armed Forces. The Shiite militias, including the Popular Mobilization Forces, were also involved in the campaign, with support from Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Military Campaign

The military campaign to retake Mosul began on October 16, 2016, with a series of airstrikes by the United States Air Force and other coalition forces, including the Royal Air Force and French Air Force. The Iraqi Armed Forces and its allies then launched a ground assault on the city, with the goal of retaking key infrastructure, including the Mosul International Airport and the Tigris River bridges. The Peshmerga forces played a key role in the early stages of the battle, securing key terrain and cutting off ISIL supply lines, with support from the United States Army Special Forces and other special operations forces. The Shiite militias also participated in the campaign, fighting on the western side of the city, with support from Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Quds Force.

The Battle

The battle for Mosul was intense and complex, with both sides suffering heavy casualties, including the Iraqi Armed Forces, Peshmerga, and Shiite militias, as well as ISIL fighters. The United States Armed Forces and other coalition partners provided significant support, including airstrikes, artillery, and advisory assistance, with General Stephen Townsend and General Joseph Votel playing key roles in the campaign. The Iraqi Armed Forces and its allies made steady progress, retaking key neighborhoods and infrastructure, including the Mosul University and the Nabi Yunus Mosque. The Peshmerga forces secured key terrain, including the Bashiqa district, with support from the United States Marine Corps and other coalition forces.

Aftermath

The battle for Mosul ended on July 10, 2017, with the Iraqi Armed Forces and its allies declaring victory over ISIL. The city was left heavily damaged, with many buildings and infrastructure destroyed, including the Al-Nuri Mosque and the Mosul Museum. The United Nations and other international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, played a key role in providing humanitarian assistance to the city's residents, with support from the European Union and other donors. The Iraqi Government, led by Haider al-Abadi, began the process of rebuilding and restoring the city, with support from the United States Agency for International Development and other international partners.

Casualties and Displacement

The battle for Mosul resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with estimates suggesting that over 10,000 civilians were killed or injured, including many women and children, with support from the International Rescue Committee and other humanitarian organizations. The Iraqi Armed Forces and its allies also suffered significant casualties, including the Peshmerga and Shiite militias, with many fighters killed or wounded, including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and other key leaders. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that over 1 million people were displaced from the city, with many forced to flee to other parts of Iraq or neighboring countries, including Syria, Turkey, and Jordan. The International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations provided significant assistance to those affected by the battle, with support from the European Union and other donors. Category:Battles of the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)