The battle for Mosul, which began last month, may be the most pivotal battle in the fight against ISIS to date. Mosul is the final stronghold of ISIS in Iraq, and freeing the city could mean the end of the militant group’s existence in the country. It would also have a powerful emotional effect, bolstering positive attitudes and giving the international community hope for the elimination of ISIS and other terrorist organizations on a larger scale. One of the most interesting aspects of this particular battle is military tactics. The strategy and weapons chosen by each side is a reflection of their mentality when it comes to taking on their opponent and achieving their desired goals. In this blog, we will briefly examine these tactics and what impact they might have.
Without a doubt, ISIS is outnumbered, but that doesn’t mean defeating them will be a walk in the park. In fact, the lack of numbers has further emboldened them to fight harder and use whatever methods they deem necessary. And, unlike their opponents, they are not burdened by a need to limit the number of civilian casualties. In fact, Iraqi civilians play an important role in one of their primary, and perhaps most disturbing, defense tactics: human shields. The use of human shields isn’t a new concept – a number of other terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas have employed the tactic for many years. In this particular case, ISIS is driving thousands of civilians into the center of Mosul, leaving them either to be killed by ISIS or become victims of warfare.
In addition to the use of human shields, ISIS is relying on other forms of weaponry to keep the opposition at bay. These include suicide bombs, IEDs, and chemical weapons, as well as oil fires. Their goal is to do as much damage as quickly as possible. ISIS very much relies on “shock value,” booby-trapping tactics that cause confusion, fear, and doubt.
Unlike ISIS, the Kurdish, Iraqi, and US forces have a very different approach: one that is governed by patience and strategy, in attempt to limit the level of damage and the number of civilian casualties. In addition to the standard use of tanks, bulldozers, airstrikes, and ground offensives, the US has developed war apps specifically designed to help ground forces avoid IEDs, which currently pose one of the greatest threats. These apps range from helping forces connect with each other, to determining bomb blast radii, to an interactive map that shows exactly where IEDs are located. Most importantly, they could provide a major leg up in terms of capturing the city, limiting the number of military deaths, and saving civilians.
The Iraqi and Kurdish forces are also focusing on taking over as many areas in the vicinity of Mosul as possible in an effort to surround ISIS and cut them off. So far, they have captured Mosul’s Kokjeli district, Dijla City, and a number of ISIS-held villages just outside of the city. For many of these soldiers, this is more than just a strategic battle – it is one that is also representative of their beliefs. Therefore, because Mosul is predominantly Sunni, the Shia forces will only be involved in the capturing of territory outside of the city, so as to try and avoid further tension and maintain the focus on defeating ISIS.
It is without a doubt that the tactics of both sides are incredibly representative of their desires beyond the capturing of Mosul itself. This battle will certainly not be a quick one, and it will be interesting to see how strategies evolve over time. That being said, despite differences in beliefs on the part of the Iraqis and the Kurds, there is one thing for certain: the divide between those who thrive on death and destruction and those who value life and freedom is clear.
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