The Telegraph: US admits it won't be able to train enough troops in time for Mosul offensive
US Central Command initially said it was preparing between up to 25,000 Iraqi troops for the offensive on Mosul against Islamic State to take place as early as early as April
Only hours after announcing a major new ground offensive to retake Iraq’s second city, the US was forced to admit on Friday it is unlikely to be able to train enough troops in time.
US Central Command initially told reporters in Washington it was preparing between 20,000 and 25,000 Iraqi troops for an offensive on Mosul to take place as early as April or May.
Revealing the details of the onslaught for the first time, a senior US military official said five Iraqi brigades would form the main attack force against the jihadists of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) who currently occupy the city.
These would be accompanied by Iraqi counterterrorism troops, trained by US special operations and three smaller brigades of Iraqi reserve forces.
WNU Editor: Unbelievable .... this plan is unraveling right in front of our eyes.
Previous Post: The Assault To Retake Mosul From The Islamic State Is Planned For Spring
More News On Reports That Iraq Is Not Ready To Launch An Assault Against Mosul This Spring
Will Iraqi forces be ready for a Mosul offensive? -- CBS
Iraqi forces ill-prepared to retake Mosul in spring, say analysts -- The National
Did commander reveal 'playbook' against ISIS? -- The Hill
'Aiding and Abetting the Enemy' - Did an Official Tip Off ISIS - and Imperil Our Troops - By Outlining US Military Plans? -- FOX News
GOP senator blasts military for revealing strategy against ISIS -- The Hill
Why is the U.S. military sharing details about a planned assault on Mosul? Some possibilities -- Dan Lamonthe, Washington Post
Why the Iraq Offensive Will Fail -- Michael Flynn, Politico
2 comments:
Training the Iraqi army? What a joke. I can only imagine how our special operators are feeling. I wonder if they are able too sleep while constantly watching each others back. I don't know if you remember but I wrote to you a year or two back regarding an acquaintance of mine who was killed in Afghanistan in an insider attack. I can only think of him at this moment and feel great anger at seeing how his sacrifice is being wasted. The current administration's strategy on this crisis boggles the mind. They either have clearly learned nothing or actually do wish to see the Islamic State succeed. This defies logic of course but when was the last time we did something logical? Like giving Syrian rebels the ability too call in air strikes with American air power. I dread the day an American unit gets annihilated in an incident of "friendly fire." 2 more years under this administration; it's going to be rough. Just keep the Islamic State at bay please.
"2 more years under this dministration; it's going to be rough."
the 1 year 11 months this administration has left will feel like a full 2 years and then some.
The Kurds have stated they are in no big hurry to attack Mosul nor do they even want it.
If I were the Kurds I would be more concerned with recovering lost Kurdish territory like AL Hasaka, the area around Kobane, Sinjar, Tel Afar and any other Kurdish places.
Besides if the Kurds bleed heavy taking Mosul for the Iraqi government, their thanks will be a kick in the teeth.
Post a Comment