Iraq: Out of the desert into Mosul (closed)
Like many here following Iraq is not a priority. AM today I read via Twitter reports that Mosul, Iraq's second city had fallen to ISIS, after Iraqi forces crumbled and left.
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27778112 and http://eaworldview.com/2014/06/iraq-...ke-part-mosul/
I am aware, from old SWC threads, that the Kurds watch the city closely, but was unaware that our old friends - geography and water - play a part:
Quote:
It was also unclear whether ISIS fighters had managed to cross the Tigris river, which dissects the city into two parts, and are also threatening the eastern bank, which is mostly Kurdish. But it appeared clear that the western bank, which represents the original heart and commercial center of Mosul, is in insurgent hands.
Link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/...674_story.html
Just whether the Kurds will sit and watch is unclear.
As others who watch the region more closely comment there is a growing ISIS governed territory / enclave stretching across Iraq into Syria.
Fall of Mosul ISIS now heading back to Salahaddin
The Pesh are not in Mosul anymore. They are deployed to the east and north of the city. The ISF completely collapsed in Mosul last night and now ISIS is heading back towards Salahaddin province. It is repeating the same strategy that Zarqawi laid out before his death. To take Anbar, then urban centers, surround Baghdad, and then start fighting within the capital itself. Here are a couple reports you might be interested in to explain the current situation in Iraq:
Iraq's deteriorating security situation interview with Alexandre Massimo
http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/20...situation.html
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Storm Samarra In Salahaddin
http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/20...ant-storm.html
Beginning of June 2014 Deadliest In Iraq
http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/20...t-in-iraq.html
Islamic State of Iraq Launches Battle of Ninewa In Mosul
http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/20...es-battle.html
ISIS seized huge stores of equipment from ISF
ISIS took a major army base and air force base in Mosul and also the Baiji repair/supply depot of the army. Has captured 2 helicopters and hundreds of humvees, trucks, etc. Also just took the Baiji refinery and power station two of the largest in northern Iraq.
Islamic State of Iraq’s 2014 Uprising And Security Forces Collapse
Here's my latest on ISIS advance south from Mosul into Salahaddin and Kirkuk and the collapse of the security forces
http://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/20...-uprising.html