By Samer Ilyas
Azzaman, December 12, 2014
Prime Minister Haider Abadi has revealed that military plans are underway for an assault on the northern city of Mosul to retake it from Islamic State (IS) militants.
IS, also known as ISIS, routed several Iraqi army division in its lightning attacks in June, occupying Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city and large areas in the north west of the country.
Lt. Gen. Riyad Tawfiq has been appointed the commander of nearly 10,000 troops who are being trained to “liberate,” Mosul, Abadi has said.
Abadi has not made clear when the troops will advance on Mosul but said most of the soldiers come from Arab Sunni tribes who oppose IS’s rule and occupation of their city.
The head of the provincial council of Nineveh Province, of which Mosul is the capital, Bashar al-Kiki, said launching an attack to retake Mosul was still under deliberation as more troops would be needed.
He said at least 20,000 soldiers would be needed to retake the city.
“Volunteers are reporting to join the force and registering of names is still going on as well as training,” Kiki said.
“The need is for more than 20,000 fighters to liberate Mosul and only 10,000 are no available” he added. “Intensive training and sophisticated weapons are also necessary.”
