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Click the image to view the slideshow of the Spear Brigade in western Mosul. |
MOSUL, IRAQ: Some of the heaviest fighting in Mosul has occurred in the western neighborhoods of the city. Al Qaeda in Iraq and its terrorist allies fought pitched battles with Iraqi and US forces earlier this year in an attempt to prevent the security forces from establishing security outposts in the city. Al Qaeda conducted attacks using suicide car and vest bombs as well as rocket-propelled grenades and small arms as the troops attempted to build the bases and checkpoints. The soldiers of the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Iraqi Army Division, led by Brigadier General Taha Askar, the Iraqi police, and the US soldiers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment fought through the attacks and have established a foothold in the neighborhoods. Multiple clear-and-hold operations are being conducted as the Iraqi and US security forces are working to consolidate their gains. But reconstruction in the western part of the city is lagging. This slideshow looks at the Spear Brigade and their US advisers in action in western Mosul.
4 Comments
Great work again. I thought that MG Abdul Rahim was NiOC commanding LTG Riyad’s executive officer (or deputy commander–#2.)
In slide 16 he is listed as the NiOC operations officer.
Is Muta’a is BG or MG? I think even the IA’s worst critics (sometimes they call themselves peace movement advocates) have to admit that there is something special about Muta’a.
Looks like Yarmouk needs extensive debris removal after the outposts are in place.
Bill,
Excellent job from Mosul. The reporting has been very informative and the pictures add great visuals.
Today, MNF-Iraq has a press release, which includes:
“During two Saturday operations in Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged AQI terrorist leader who is believed to have recently moved up in the organization after Coalition operations decimated terrorist leadership in the area. Eight additional suspects were detained.”
A question…..I know we are currently trying to flush AQI from Mosul, but I just read a story about Diyala and how some of the Iraqi soldiers are unhappy with pay. Is there trouble brewing there? It might not necessarily be AQI, but just Sunni/Shia issues and I’d hate to see all our progress take a step back.