Iraqi forces make first push into mosul

On January 3, 2017, Iraqi forces, backed by a US-led coalition, launched a major offensive to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State (ISIS). The operation, known as the Battle of Mosul, was the largest military campaign in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003.

The Iraqi forces, led by the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), began their push into Mosul with a series of airstrikes and artillery bombardments aimed at weakening ISIS defenses. The CTS, a special forces unit, was tasked with leading the ground assault, with support from the Iraqi Army, Federal Police, and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of Shia militias.

The initial push focused on the eastern side of the city, where ISIS had established a strong presence. The Iraqi forces advanced slowly, house by house, against fierce resistance from ISIS fighters. The fighting was intense, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

The Iraqi government had been planning the operation for months, and it was seen as a crucial step in defeating ISIS and restoring stability to the country. The city of Mosul, which had a pre-war population of over 2 million people, had been under ISIS control since June 2014.

The US-led coalition provided significant air support to the Iraqi forces, with airstrikes targeting ISIS positions and supply lines. The coalition also provided training and equipment to the Iraqi forces, helping to improve their capabilities.

The Battle of Mosul was a complex and challenging operation, with the Iraqi forces facing a determined and well-entrenched enemy. However, with the support of the US-led coalition and the determination of the Iraqi forces, the city was eventually retaken in July 2017, after nine months of intense fighting.

The recapture of Mosul marked a significant milestone in the fight against ISIS, and it paved the way for further operations against the terrorist group in other parts of Iraq and Syria.