DEBKA: Pentagon Plans Ground Operation In Iraq As Mosul Op Falters

Hopes that the US-backed operation would retake the ISIS stronghold in Mosul are reportedly fading. After nine weeks, Iraqi troops and their allies have failed to make significant progress in liberating Iraq’s second-largest city from ISIS despite outnumbering the terrorists ten-to-one. US generals are now preparing to deploy more American ground troops in Iraq, pending the approval of President-elect Donald Trump and the new Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis. RT reports: On Monday, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter gave assurances that it was “possible” to take the city before President Barack Obama leaves office on January 20, adding that it would be a “tough fight.” But the militants themselves are reportedly now convinced they will be able to keep control of the city. According to DEBKAfile, a military intelligence news site reputedly connected to the Israeli security services, a delegation of IS commanders arrived in Mosul on Sunday to discuss synchronizing the city defenses with those of Raqqa in Syria. Mosul commanders have “changed course about leaving the city and decided to stay put,” the report said. Despite reports of successes in the Mosul operation, in reality Iraqi troops are demoralized by a lack of progress and continued counterattacks by IS [...]

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