CENTCOM: US Ground Troops May Assist Iraqi Army to Wrest Mosul from ISIS

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CENTCOM: US Ground Troops May Assist Iraqi Army to Wrest Mosul from ISIS

The US military is contemplating a move to deploy its ground troops in Iraq to fight alongside Iraqi forces to recapture Iraq's largest city Mosul from Islamic State (ISIS) militants.

An assessment of ISIS defences based on intelligence gathered, will be key to its decision.

CNN, citing a US Central Command (CENTCOM) official noted that Iraqi ground troops could attack ISIS positions in Mosul as early as April.

In recent days, the Sunni terrorist group has scaled up its defences around the city with fresh reinforcements that have been arriving into the city.

ISIS, which is currently one of the richest terrorist groups in the world, has the capability to bring in both men and equipment from large swathes of areas it had conquered last year. However, after its recent defeat in the Kurdish city of Kobani, reports claim that ISIS is currently "stretched too thin" and may not be in a position to bring in more fighters so quickly.

On the other hand, the US CENTCOM has been bombing ISIS targets so heavily that by the time the ground troops are ready to move towards Mosul, the city would have no quick reinforcement routes available.

The CENTCOM believes that the the ground troops will be in an advantageous position to re-capture Mosul.

The CENTCOM and Pentagon will advice President Barack Obama on sending ground troops based on the ISIS defences. If the defences reach a "significant" level, Obama will be recommended by the US military to send US ground troops to assist Iraqi forces to hit ISIS positions in Mosul.

Recently, Jordan also has informed that it might send its ground forces to fight ISIS. Jordan has promised to step up its role in the international coalition to fight the ISIS after the group burnt its pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh, alive.

Jordan wants to deploy special ground forces. The country has stepped up its bomb attacks on Syria, targeting ISIS locations.

 

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If US ground troops take part in this I don't think some of the volunteers/militia group will be able to as well. Though it'll make it easier to retake Mosul as US ground forces can call in and designate targets from the ground, less bloodshed on the allied side.

In my opinion US ground troops will be needed to enforce a barrier on the Syrian-Iraqi border and extend the fight into the ISIS cities on the Syrian side of the Euphrates river.

 

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@CENTCOM your comments?

 

[CENTCOM]

As you have already witnessed, the United States and our partner nations in this fight against ISIL are committed to supporting the Iraqi efforts to eradicate ISIL forces and end their violent agenda. They have time after time forced the entire world to serve as audiences to their ruthless tactics and blatantly celebrate their barbaric actions.

As of now, we are committed to supporting our regional military partners, dismantling the access of foreign fighters, providing humanitarian assistance, and training sites to help train Iraqi troops in their efforts to reclaim lost territory and defeat ISIL. Rear Admiral John Kirby stated that, “We've always long said that ultimately, you need a competent force on the ground. That force needs to be indigenous. It needs to be Iraqi. And we are confident, now that we're up and running with these training sites that we're going to help them get there.” He has also mentioned that the Iraqi Security Forces have asked the United States to assist in further developing the Iraqi National Guard, which is part of Iraqi Government’s long term planning for the Iraqi Security Forces.

Haroon Ahmad
DET – U.S. Central Command
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