Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. Share the link of this article with your facebook friends

 

Scores of Iraqis Killed in US-Iraqi Government Air Strikes, Bombarment on Islamic State Held Cities and Villages in Northern Iraq

September 29, 2016 

Editor's Note:

The US-led coalition which fights the Islamic State in northern Iraq consists of US-led NATO forces, Iraqi Shi'i government forces, Iranian-backed Shi'i militias, and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. The coalition's continuous attacks have resulted in the killing of thousands of Iraqi Sunni Muslim Arabs and the eviction of thousands as a result of the destruction of their cities and villages.

Millions of Iraqi Sunni Muslim Arabs are expected to leave their cities and villages as the fighting intensifies towards an all-attack by the US-led coalition on Mosul. The end outcome is going to be evicting (ethnic cleansing of) Sunni Muslim Arabs from the upper Euphrates region of northwestern Iraq and northeastern Syria. 

The following news stories from the official US and Iraqi websites do not mention any civilian casualties, as all reported deaths are claimed to be for ISIS members, who were killed in air strikes and bombardment on cities! Needless to say that independent sources are hard to find or report from. Thus, the following is a documentation of the death and destruction, as reported basically in such official website. Other independent reporting will be presented whenever available.

 

Iraqi government forces fighting Islamic State fighters in northwestern Iraq, file, September 28, 2016	Bomb targets Iraqi government forces killing and injuring five soldiers in northern Baghdad, September 28, 2016

 

200 Iraqi families evicted from Kirkuk, Tamim Province, to Diyala, September 29 Yaqein news agency reported that about 200 Iraqi families were evicted by Iraqi government forces from Kirkuk, Tamim Province, to Diyala. These families were refugees from the Sunni Arab areas of northern Iraq, where there's fighting against the Islamic State fighters.    نحو 200 عائلة نازحة تصل ديالى بعد ان ابعدت قسرا من التأميم تاريخ النشر : الخميس | 29-09-2016 | 14:05 اقرت مديرية ناحية العظيم الحالية في محافظة ديالى، اليوم الخميس، ان إجمالي الأسر النازحة المبعدة قسرا من مخيمات مدينة كركوك بمحافظة التأميم ، بلغ نحو 200 أسرة لغاية الآن، مشيرة إلى أن الاسر المبعدة تعاني اوضاعا انسانية صعبة بسبب استمرار نزوحها. وقال مدير الناحية "عبد الجبار العبيدي" في تصريح له إن "إجمالي الأسر النازحة المبعدة قسراً من كركوك والتي وصلت إلى حدود ناحية العظيم في ديالى ، بلغت 150 أسرة حتى اللحظة، مبينا أن أغلب أفرادها من النساء والأطفال والمسنين". وأضاف العبيدي، أنه " تم استكمال تدقيق ملفات الأسر المبعدة ، لافتا إلى وجود تنسيق مع المنظمات الدولية ووزارة الهجرة لتأمين المساعدات الإنسانية العاجلة". يذكر ان السلطات الحكومية في محافظة التاميم ، أبعدت خلال الأيام الماضية العشرات من الأسر النازحة الى مدينة كركوك من مختلف المدن والمحافظات التي تشهد معارك وقصف انتقامي حكومي . يقين نت http://yaqein.net/AR/details5323.htm

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The following are news stories from a pro-Iraqi government website (http://www.iraqinews.com/) :

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Iraqi forces liberate 2 areas in Heet Island, kill 33 ISIS members

By Loaa Adel - Sep 28, 2016

(IeaqiNews.com) Anbar –

Al-Hashd al-Shaabi Command announced on Wednesday liberating two areas in Heet Island, west of Ramadi, and raising the Iraqi flag over their buildings, while also emphasized the killing of 33 ISIS members during the clashes.

The Intelligence Director of al-Somoud brigade, Captain Nazim al-Jaghifi, said in a press statement, “Iraqi security forces managed to liberate the areas of al-Taliha and al-Safaqiya in Heet Island, and raised the Iraqi flag over their buildings.”

“33 ISIS members were killed during the liberation battle,” Jaghifi explained. “The security forces are advancing to liberate the targeted areas in Heet after cutting off ISIS supply lines,” Jaghifi added.

“We will raise the Iraqi flag over another areas of Heet Island after the collapse of the terror group,” Jaghifi further added.

Earlier today, al-Hashd al-Shaabi Command announced the start of a military operation to liberate Heet Island, west of Ramadi, from the ISIS grip.

US transports ISIS captives from Anbar desert according to militia commander

By Loaa Adel - Sep 28, 2016

(IraqiNews.com) Anbar –

Al-Hashd al-Shaabi Command declared that International Coalition helicopters conducted an aerial landing in the desert areas west of Anbar, to transport a number of captive ISIS leaders and militants holding different Arab and western nationalities.

The Intelligence Director of al-Somoud brigade, Captain Nazim al-Jaghifi, said in a press statement, “Accurate intelligence information indicated that the US-led coalition Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters conducted an aerial landing operation in the areas of al-Watah and Abu Daliah, north of al-Tharthar Lake, in order to transport a number of ISIS leaders and members to unknown destinations.”

“We are monitoring the movement of ISIS terrorist gangs, air strikes conducted by the international coalition air force and the suspicious movements in the desert areas through our intelligence and security sources in the western areas including Qaim, Rawa and Aana,” Jaghifi added.

It is worth mentioning that Iraqi security forces managed to liberate the majority of cities in Anbar, including Ramadi, Fallujah, Rutba and Heet from ISIS occupation.

Iraqi forces repulse ISIS attack on Tikrit, kill 15 militants

By Loaa Adel - Sep 28, 2016

(IraqiNews.com) Salahuddin –

 Salahuddin Operations Command reported on Tuesday that the security forces repelled an attack launched by ISIS members using seven booby-trapped vehicles on the security forces stationed in Tlul al-Baj area, north of Tikrit, and further added that 15 ISIS members were killed during the clashes.

The Command said in a press statement, “This morning, ISIS group launched an attack on the security forces stationed north of Tlul al-Baj area, north of Tikrit, using seven booby-trapped vehicles driven by suicide bombers.”

“The security troops backed by the Iraqi Air Force and International Coalition Air Force managed to repel the attack and destroy the booby-trapped vehicles,” the statement added. “The security forces were also able to kill 15 members of ISIS during the attack and imposed their control on the situation,” the statement explained.

The joint security forces liberated the city of Tikrit in 31 March 2015, and Baiji in mid-November 2015 and continue their advance to expel ISIS from all areas of the province, while ISIS tried to impose its control over Samarra district, but failed after several attempts.

Coalition air strike destroys 3 ISIS car bombs near Mosul

By Loaa Adel - Sep 27, 2016

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh –

Nineveh Police announced on Tuesday that three car bombs belong to ISIS were destroyed in an air strike carried out by the international coalition in al-Houd village, south of Mosul.

“The international coalition launched an air strike on al-Houd village, south of Mosul, destroying three car bombs belong to ISIS. The car bombs were prepared to attack Iraqi security forces in Qayyarah area, south of Mosul,” The Police Command said in a press statement.

“The airstrike completely destroyed the vehicles and killed the people inside,” the statement explained. “The international coalition also targeted gatherings of ISIS near Qayyarah and killed dozens of ISIS militants south of Mosul,” the statement added.

Iraqi military forces are getting ready to recapture the city of Mosul next month after air strikes of the US-led coalition weakened ISIS defenses in the city.

IED kills 5 soldiers in northern Baghdad

By Loaa Adel - Sep 28, 2016

(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad –

Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that five army soldiers were either killed or wounded in the explosion of an improvised explosive device that targeted their patrol in northern Baghdad.

The ministry said in a statement, “This morning, an improvised explosive device exploded targeting an army patrol while passing in al-Moshahda area, in northern Baghdad.”

“The explosion killed one soldier and wounded four others with different injuries, as well as damaging the vehicle completely,” the statement explained. “Ambulances rushed to the area and transferred the wounded to a nearby hospital and the body to the forensic medicine department,” the statement added.

The statement further added, “Security forces also cordoned off the area and barred approaching it.”

Noteworthy, Iraq is witnessing a surge of violence since 2013. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) announced that more than 1700 casualties were recorded only in August, in different areas of Iraq, and revealed that Baghdad was the most affected.

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The following are news stories from the US Department of Defense website (http://www.defense.gov/News) :

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 29, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Attack and fighter aircraft conducted eight strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two ISIL oil tanker trucks, an oil wellhead and a pump jack. Three supply routes were damaged.

-- Near Raqqah, a strike destroyed two ISIL oil wellheads.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike destroyed an oil tanker truck.

-- Near Manbij, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Mara, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a bomb, a fighting position and a mortar system.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft, as well as rocket artillery, conducted 10 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Qaim, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle bomb-making facility.

-- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.

-- Near Haditha, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Kisik, two strikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position and suppressed two ISIL mortar firing positions.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed a front-end loader, a weapons cache and a vehicle.

-- Near Ramadi, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and two trench systems.

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 28, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 12 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Shadaddi, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two vehicles.

-- Near Raqqah, a strike destroyed an ISIL pump jack.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed 12 oil tanker trucks and two oil wellheads and disabled a bridge along an ISIL supply route.

-- Near Manbij, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions.

-- Near Mara, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and destroyed five fighting positions and a mortar system.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 10 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Qaim, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle bomb-making facility.

-- Near Kisik, a strike produced inconclusive results.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, suppressed a mortar system and destroyed an anti-air artillery system and a tunnel.

-- Near Qayyarah, two strikes destroyed two ISIL vehicles and a mortar system.

-- Near Ramadi, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike destroyed an ISIL mortar system and damaged an excavator.

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 26, 2016 —  

Strikes in Syria

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 10 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed five ISIL oil tanker trucks and two oil well heads.

-- Near Ayn Isa, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed nine oil well heads and an oil tanker truck.

-- Near Manbij, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a tank.

-- Near Mara, three strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions and a mortar system.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter, remotely piloted aircraft as well as rocket artillery conducted 17 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Huwayjah, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units.

-- Near Haditha, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building.

-- Near Hit, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and a staging area and destroyed three ISIL-held buildings.

-- Near Kisik, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle, a tunnel and a watercraft.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units, destroying two weapon caches, two fighting positions and two tunnels. A mortar system was suppressed.

-- Near Qayyarah, four strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three rocket rails, three vehicles, two mortar systems, a rocket system, a fighting position and a weapons cache.

-- Near Ramadi, a strike destroyed two ISIL machine guns.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL-held building.

-- Near Tal Afar, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 25, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed seven oil tanker trucks.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed seven ISIL oil well heads and damaged two supply routes.

-- Near Manbij, three strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, two weapons caches and a mortar system.

-- Near Mara, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle bomb, a vehicle and a heavy machine gun.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft as well as rocket artillery conducted 14 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Huwayjah, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed a watercraft, two vehicles and a vehicle bomb. A vehicle was damaged.

-- Near Kisik, a strike destroyed an ISIL watercraft.

-- Near Mosul, six strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units, destroying two vehicles, two tunnels and an anti-air artillery system. Four ISIL fighting positions were damaged.

-- Near Ramadi, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three vehicles, a heavy machine gun and an anti-air artillery system.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, four strikes destroyed three ISIL headquarters buildings, a weapons cache and a mortar system.

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 24, 2016 —

Officials reported details of yesterday’s strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 11 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Raqqah, six strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two bomb-making facilities, two oil well heads, three pump jacks and a vehicle.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle, two oil well heads and three oil tanker trucks. A supply route was damaged.

-- Near Manbij, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and a heavy machine gun.

-- Near Mara, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted nine strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Baghdadi, a strike destroyed an ISIL rocket cache.

-- Near Kisik, two strikes suppressed two ISIL mortar positions.

-- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions, a rocket rail and a tunnel.

-- Near Qayyarah, a strike destroyed an ISIL chemical weapons factory.

-- Near Ramadi, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two mortar systems.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed eight rocket rails, three rocket systems and a vehicle.

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 23, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Attack, bomber and fighter aircraft conducted 14 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed two ISIL oil well heads.

-- Near Shaddadi, a strike destroyed inoperable coalition equipment.

-- Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed two ISIL pump jacks.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, seven strikes damaged 14 ISIL supply routes.

-- Near Manbij, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions.

-- Near Mara, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a bomb and a fighting position.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft as well as rocket artillery conducted 16 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Baghdadi, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two fighting positions, a vehicle and a rocket rail.

-- Near Hit, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building.

-- Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and destroyed a bomb factory, a weapons cache and a heavy machine gun.

-- Near Qayyarah, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two vehicles and a weapons cache.

-- Near Ramadi, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four mortar systems, two vehicles and a supply cache.

-- Near Sinjar, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and suppressed a heavy machine gun.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL weapons cache and a vehicle.

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Military Strikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 22, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed an ISIL oil wellhead.

-- Near Shadaddi, a strike damaged an ISIL supply route.

-- Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL weapons factory and a barracks.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle, four oil tanker trucks, an oil tanker trailer and two oil wellheads. Six supply routes were damaged.

-- Near Manbij, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and damaged a checkpoint.

-- Near Mara, seven strikes engaged seven ISIL tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions, a vehicle and an anti-air artillery system.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft as well as rocket artillery conducted 13 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Baghdadi, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a repeater tower and a bunker.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units and destroyed three weapons caches and suppressed a sniper firing position.

-- Near Qayyarah, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and destroyed 38 vehicles, four watercraft and a land bridge. A culvert entrance was damaged and a tactical unit was suppressed.

-- Near Ramadi, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two vehicles, two supply caches and a fuel tank.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and an artillery system.

-- Near Tal Afar, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a checkpoint.

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Coalition Continues Counter-ISIL Progress Across Iraq, Syria

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2016 —

Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant forces continue their progress against the terror group throughout Iraq and Syria, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Air Force Col. John Dorrian said today.

Briefing from Baghdad, Dorrian told Pentagon reporters that Operation Noble Lance in northern Syria has cleared five villages of ISIL fighters.

The operation, he said, involves Turkish military and partner forces along the Mara Line. ISIL forces “fired a rocket into Kilis, which is just north of the border in Turkey, Dorrian said.

He added that the terror group has launched more than 40 rockets into the area -- a region that houses thousands of Syrian refugees.

Tough Fighting Ahead

Coalition forces face tough fighting from ISIL as the area is an important route for foreign fighters, supplies and money to reach ISIL’s “capital” of Raqqa, the colonel said. Coalition troops, he added, have provided training and equipment to counter-ISIL forces fighting in the area.

And, coalition forces are supplying food and bomb-removal expertise to help the people of the region, Dorrian said. About 2,400 families in the area around Manbij -- the site of heavy fighting earlier this year -- received about 200 metric tons of food, he said.

“The food includes essentials such as rice, flour, chickpeas and tomato paste, baby formula and water purifying tablets,” Dorrian said. “In some cases, this means families will get anywhere from 30 to 60 days of food and supplies.”

The explosive ordnance disposal training has allowed local officials to reopen the Manbij hospital as well as many homes and school in the city, the colonel said.

Mosul Campaign

In Iraq, ISIL is attempting to build-up their defenses in Mosul as the terrorists anticipate the Iraqi attack to retake the nation’s second-largest city, Dorrian said. ISIL is restricting the movement of the population, he said, and attempting to conceal fighting position. These hiding places are often in restricted buildings like hospitals, schools and mosques, Dorrian said.

In addition, he said, ISIL forces in the area continue to dig elaborate tunnels and are placing bombs as they hope to delay the advance of Iraqi security forces.

“But there are significant signs that they are feeling the effects of ISF advances and coalition strikes,” the colonel said.

ISIL Feels Pressure

Around the base the coalition is establishing in Qayyarah, ISIL fighters are attempting harassing attacks, Dorrian said. ISIL forces, however, “have shown more of an inclination to flee rather than in earlier times in the campaign,” he said.

Dorrian also cited reports about ISIL troops grumbling about money and supply shortages.

ISIL is also under concerted attack in the western part of Iraq with soldiers hitting the terror group in and around Hit and Ramadi, Dorrian said.

These operations, he said, provide ISIL with “more problems than they have the ability to manage simultaneously,” he said.

Coalition aircraft continue to launch strikes against ISIL in and around Mosul in preparation for the liberation of the city, Dorrian said.

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Carter: 600 Troops to Deploy to Enable Iraqis to Retake Mosul From ISIL

By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2016 —

About 600 American troops will be deployed to Iraq to further enable local security forces as they prepare to retake the key Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today.

In a statement, the secretary said in anticipation of the Mosul fight, the U.S. and Iraqi governments have agreed that additional U.S. and coalition capabilities could help accelerate the campaign at this critical phase.

Carter said he and Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recommended deployment of the additional troops to President Barack Obama to further enable Iraqi forces, and that the president authorized it with the support and approval of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Gearing Up for Mosul Offensive

The U.S. troops will work in close coordination with the Iraqi government to provide specific capabilities, such as logistics and maintenance support, and train, advise and assist teams for Iraqi security forces and Kurdish peshmerga for the upcoming Mosul operation. Expanded intelligence resources will be used to disrupt ISIL's terrorist network in Iraq and beyond, Carter said.

“The coalition to defeat ISIL continues to achieve results on the battlefield, and I congratulate Iraqi security forces on their recent progress, including the operation to free Sharqat,” he said. “The coalition will continue to increase the pressure on ISIL in Mosul and wherever it seeks refuge in Iraq.”

Increasing Pressure on ISIL

The addition of more than 600 additional troops in the coming weeks will bring the force management level to 5,262 U.S. troops as of today, said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, director of Pentagon press operations.

“We are continuing to increase pressure on ISIL in Mosul in particular and in anticipation of that coming fight … as we close in on Mosul,” Davis said.

While most specific locations cannot be released for security reasons, Davis said, he identified two air bases where the American troops will be sent with specific missions: Al-Asad Air Base in the Euphrates River Valley north of Baghdad, and Qayyarah Air Base near Qayyarah City.

Bringing Capabilities to Air Bases

At Al-Asad Air Base, American troops will provide logistics and maintenance, and help with airfield operations to bring the base to a level that can support a greater pace of operations as the Mosul effort progresses.

Military logisticians will work at Qayyarah Air Base similarly to help the base function as the significant throughput point for the Iraqi forces as they move farther north, he said.

“Mosul is very isolated from the major population centers in Iraq, and to have a throughput point in Qayyarah will allow for greater enabling of our operations there,” Davis said.

The press operations director clarified that the additional train, advise and assist teams and additional intelligence support come under existing authorities. “Nothing is changing in regard to the role of our mission, with the role of what our authorities are to do there,” he noted. “This does not mean any greater role for [U.S.] service members in terms of what their mission is.”

Davis added that the fight remains Iraq’s, and “everything we do there is to support and enable them. They will continue to be the primary trigger-pullers.”

Double-Edged Goal

Two things going on: the retaking of Mosul, and helping to ensure a lasting victory for the Iraqis, Davis said.

“From our perspective, this [force management level] increase has been long anticipated [and] long planned,” he added. “We’ve known there would need to be another additive of capabilities prior to the final push [to Mosul].”

The roughly 600 additional U.S. forces are the number of forces expected to enable Iraq to take on its next major objective of Mosul, Davis said. “There are no major objectives after that,” said he added. “This is it. This is the last big holdout in Iraq for ISIL.”

http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/958534/carter-600-troops-to-deploy-to-enable-iraqis-to-retake-mosul-from-isil   

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