Battle for Mosul, Iraq

This item appears on page 63 of the May 2017 issue.

Iraqi forces have continued to make gains against Daesh in Mosul, the largest city in Iraq ever to be under Daesh control. Daesh has held Mosul since June 2014. 

In January 2017 Iraqi forces took complete control of the section of the city east of the Tigris. In February, Iraqi forces began operations in the western part of the city, recapturing the Mosul airport, a military base and the city’s power station. 

On March 1, Iraqi forces took the road leading from Mosul to Tal Afar, another city controlled by Daesh, effectively cutting off any retreat for Daesh fighters in Mosul. Roads leading from Tal Afar have also been blocked, effectively isolating Daesh fighters in the area.