Report: The Iraqi Army And The Islamic State Are Now Preparing Themselves For The Battle Of Mosul

A member of the Iraqi security forces takes his position with his weapon during an intensive security deployment on the outskirts of Samarra, south of Mosul

The Battle For Mosul: When And How? -- Rudaw

With all eyes on Mosul, there is much speculation over the timing of an expected assault to retake Iraq’s second-largest city from the Islamic State (ISIS).

Planners are busy laying out a scheme for liberating Mosul; Kurdish President Massoud Barzani has said the Peshmerga will play only a supporting role in the fight for the city.

Mosul officials warn that the fight for Iraq’s second-largest city, captured by the Islamic State (ISIS) during its romp across a third of Iraq last June, will be a heavy one.

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More News On The Impending Battle For Mosul

Isis puts Iraq's second-biggest city into lockdown, cutting phone lines and banning residents from leaving ahead of expected assaults from government forces -- Daily Mail
Mosul braced for attack as Islamic State cut off city's communications. -- The Telegraph
Iraq to launch major offensive on IS in next 48 hours: Reports. -- Sputnik
ISIS fortifying positions around Mosul: Kurdish official -- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iraqi army prepares for 'liberation of Mosul' -- Al Jazeera
Kurdish Troops to Fight IS in Mosul Alongside Iraqi Forces, Not Alone -- Sputnik
Plan to retake Mosul from ISIS emerges -- Barbara Starr and Susanna Capelouto, CNN
Islamic State Imposes Strict New Order in Mosul, and Deprivation Is a Result -- New York Times
Mosul - a city on death row -- James Denselow, Al Jazeera
Who will liberate Mosul? -- Al-Monitor

My Comment: The U.S. is urging restraint .... Despite U.S. Warnings, Iraqis Push for Winter Offensive in Mosul (NYT) .... but I suspect that the Iraqi Army is going to launch their offensive anyway. My prediction .... if support for the Islamic State in Mosul's Sunni community is as strong as the IS is saying .... the battle for Mosul will make the major battles for Fallujah, Ramadi, Kobane, etc.. small and minor in comparison.