The campaign to retake Iraq's second largest city has commenced. It can be remembered that Mosul is currently the declared capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) organization inside the former Mesopotamia.
Considering that the city is the last urban center controlled by Al-Baghdadi's group, a strong offensive will, once and for all, weaken the ISIL's influence and resolve in Iraq. However, the battle has a huge loophole to begin with.
The United Nations (UN) is very much concerned about the 1.5 million civilians inside the oil-rich city since the possibility of using the population as human shields is highly likely. Judging from the fact that the ISIL forces are outnumbered and continue to reel amidst its recent losses during the past few months, it is perceived that the extremist organization will slug it out to the last man just so their last major stronghold will not fall.
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi declares that the moment of great victory is on hand in his speech broadcast on television.
While the government is keen in getting on with the offensive, the approach is another matter. Considering that a number of groups are involved in the campaign, it is perilous that long-standing cultural differences will get in the way of advancing towards Mosul.
Aside from the central government, rebel fronts, allied forces and the minority Kurds are also involved in the operation. What is more perplexing is the fact that Shia militias will also be there. Considering that Mosul is pre-dominantly a Sunni population, the presence of a rival clan can be at odds with the overall slant. However, preventing any sectarian-related complication will mean that the Iranian-backed Shiite forces will only be staying within the perimeter areas.
The road to Mosul will begin with the US-led Coalition providing air cover for the Iraqi campaign that is supported by armed tribes. Prior to the offensive, military troops have been assembling at the city outskirts.
According to one journalist, the battle in Mosul will be a long and complex one should the ISIL forces choose to stay.
Considering that the place is densely populated, street fighting will definitely ensue with a major concern that civilians will be caught in the crossfire inside the city.
Aram Shakaram, the Save the Children Foundation Deputy Country Director in Iraq, says that unless safe zones are established, humanitarian aid will not reach concerned families.
Although the Allied air campaign has been relentless in recent months, it is believed that around 4,000 to 8,000 ISIL troops are deployed in Iraq's second largest urban location.
