The retake of mosul the real battle begins

The retaking of Mosul, also known as the Battle of Mosul, was a major military operation launched by the Iraqi government and its allies in October 2016 to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State (ISIS). The battle was a complex and challenging one, with both sides suffering significant losses.

The battle began on October 17, 2016, when Iraqi forces, backed by a coalition of international forces, launched a massive assault on the city. The Iraqi army, supported by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Shia militias, advanced on the city from the east, while the US-led coalition provided air support.

The ISIS fighters, who had controlled the city since June 2014, put up fierce resistance, using suicide bombers, snipers, and booby traps to slow down the advance of the Iraqi forces. The city's narrow streets and dense neighborhoods made it difficult for the Iraqi forces to maneuver and target the ISIS fighters effectively.

Despite the challenges, the Iraqi forces made slow but steady progress, gradually pushing the ISIS fighters back. By the end of November 2016, they had captured the eastern part of the city, and by the end of December, they had taken control of the western part.

However, the battle was far from over. The ISIS fighters had retreated to the city's old city, a densely populated area with narrow streets and ancient architecture. The Iraqi forces launched a final assault on the old city in January 2017, using heavy artillery and airstrikes to try to dislodge the ISIS fighters.

The battle was intense and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The Iraqi forces reported that they had lost over 1,000 soldiers during the battle, while the ISIS fighters were estimated to have lost thousands more. The city's infrastructure was also severely damaged, with many buildings destroyed or damaged.

On July 10, 2017, the Iraqi government announced that the city had been fully liberated from ISIS control. The battle had lasted for nine months, and it was one of the longest and most complex military operations in modern history.

The retaking of Mosul was a significant victory for the Iraqi government and its allies, but it was also a major humanitarian crisis. The city was left in ruins, with thousands of civilians displaced and many more in need of aid. The Iraqi government and international organizations launched a massive relief effort to help the displaced civilians and rebuild the city.

The battle for Mosul was also a significant turning point in the war against ISIS. The defeat of the group in Mosul marked a major blow to its ability to control territory and project power. The group was eventually driven out of its last strongholds in Iraq and Syria, and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US military operation in October 2019.

Overall, the retaking of Mosul was a complex and challenging military operation that required significant resources and sacrifice. It was a major victory for the Iraqi government and its allies, but it also highlighted the need for continued support and aid to help the displaced civilians and rebuild the city.