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

 

War First Casualty Is the Truth:

Iraqi Commanders Claim Only 1,000 Islamic State Fighters Remain in Mosul, Facing More than 100,000 Government Soldiers!

December 17, 2016 

Editor's Note:

Commenting on the World War II propaganda, General Patton is to have said that the first casualty of war is the truth. He could not have been more truthful as we read that Iraqi military commanders have claimed that there are only one thousand Islamic State fighters in Mosul, surrounded by more than 100,000 Iraqi soldiers and militiamen. If this were true, how come they have not been able to recapture the Iraqi city so far!

***

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 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.

The larger context for understanding the Syrian war (and other wars in the Middle East) is the Zionist-Israeli plan of destroying the Arab Middle Eastern states in preparation for the establishment of the greater Israeli empire, from the Nile of Egypt to the Euphrates of Iraq.   

For a background, read: 

Zionist Creative Destruction of the Middle East for the Benefit of the Apartheid Israeli Regime

 

Iraqi tent refugee camps flooded with rain water, deaths of infants and children due to cold weather, December 17, 2016	Iraqi soldiers at the site of a US air strike on Mosul, December 7, 2016

 

 Iraqi tent refugee camps flooded with rain water, deaths of infants and children due to cold weather, more suffering for Iraqis fleeing death in Mosul and other areas in north Iraq, which have been under US-led coalition and Iraqi government attacks

غرق المخيمات بمياه الامطار ووفاة الاطفال من شدة البرد...معاناة جديدة تفاقم اوضاع النازحين المأساوية تاريخ النشر : السبت | 03-12-2016 | 23:20 معاناة مستمرة للنازحين من المحافظات العراقية جراء العدوان الحكومي والدولي على مناطقهم واتباع  اساليب القتل الجماعي من خلال القصف العشوائي الانتقامي والعمليات العسكرية التي جند لها عشرات الآف من القوات الحكومية والميليشيات الطائفية لتحقيق اهداف تدميرية . اهالي الموصل ومنذ اليوم الاول للعمليات العسكرية العدوانية اليت شنتها القوات الحكومية والبيشركة وميليشيات مايعرف بالحشد الشعبي مدعومين بالتحالف الدولي بقيادة واشنطن ، تجسدت معاناتهم من خلال القصف الانتقامي العشائي "الدولي والحكومي " ، فضلا عن جرائم الميليشيات الطائفية من قتل وخطف وتعذيب مرورا بمنع دخول الغذاء والدواء وقطع الكهرباء والماء عن الموصل ،  وصولا الى نزوح المدنيين جراء هذه الممارسات ليصطدموا بواقع مرير اخر في مخيمات بالية تفتقر لابسط مقومات الحياة . فصل الشتاء ومايأتي معه من امطار يعتبرها الناس الخير الكبير، لكن النازحين في العراق وضعهم مختلف فالكوارث تحل بهم عند اول سقوط لقطرات المطر ، فالقطرات هذه تتسبب بغرق خيمهم البالية والمتهالكة التي لاتصمد امام هذه الزخات القليلة . http://yaqein.net/AR/details7500.htm

***

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

***

4000 ISIS killed since start of Mosul operations: commander

by Mohamed Mostafa

Dec 15, 2016

Nineveh (IraqiNews.com) --

The number of Islamic State (ISIS) extremists killed since Iraqi security launched operations to retake the city of Mosul in October has reached 4000, a senior commander said.

This is the number of militants killed in battles to liberate Iraq’s second largest city until Tuesday, according to Najm al-Jubouri, commander of Mosul operations, who spoke in a press statement on Wednesday.

Out of that number, 2100 were killed in airstrikes carried out by US-led aircraft, Jobouri added, saying he believed the remaining numbers are probably few, especially with local members escaping battles and foreign fighters saved for future battles in central Mosul.

Iraqi government forces, backed by tribal militias and US-led air forces, have been leading a military campaign to retake Mosul from ISIS since mid October. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Monday during a visit to Mosul’s Hammam al-Alil that two thirds of Nineveh have been retaken from ISIS. Government forces are eyeing the eastern shore of the Tigris River, which cuts through Mosul, so as to consummate the liberation of the eastern region.

ISIS remains in control of some areas of the western section, which is adjacent to its strongholds in Syria. But Al-Hashd al-Shaabi forces are reporting daily advances towards liberating ISIS locations in that region, saying the region had been isolated from Syria, depriving the group of supplies from Syria.

Earlier on Thursday, Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service declared it had has so far recaptured 40 out of 56 districts in eastern Mosul from Islamic State militants.

On Wednesday, commander of the US-led coalition against ISIS, Stephen Townsend, said coalition forces killed 180 outstanding ISIS leaders in Iraq and Syria since early October.

Comment By Matthew Bischoff says: Dec 16, 2016 at 4:48 am

A few days ago US stated it was about 2000. How did they kill so many in a matter of so few days?

Roy says: Dec 17, 2016 at 4:46 pm

There were 5000 ISIS so you killed 4000 of them, now only 1000 ISIS left and over 100 000 of your soldiers and militia backed by extensive air cover Still haven’t taken Mosul? These ISIS must be good fighters or must have got help from High above…….

http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/4000-isis-killed-since-start-mosul-operations-commander/

***

40 out of 56 eastern Mosul districts liberated: army commander

by Mohamed Mostafa Dec 15, 2016

Nineveh (Iraqinews.com)

Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service has so far recaptured 40 out of 56 districts in eastern Mosul from Islamic State militants, the force’s commander was quoted as saying on Thursday as forces struggle to reach the eastern shore of the Tigris River.

The force’s commander, Abdul Ghani al-Assadi, was quoted as saying that “the first phase of operations to liberate the eastern shore has been concluded with 40 districts out of 56 liberated.”

Iraqi government forces, backed by tribal militias and US-led air forces, have been leading a military campaign to retake Mosul from ISIS since mid October. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Monday during a visit to Mosul’s Hammam al-Alil that two thirds of Nineveh have been retaken from ISIS. Government forces are eyeing the eastern shore of the Tigris River, which cuts through Mosul, so as to consummate the liberation of the eastern region.

ISIS remains in control of several areas of the western section, which is adjacent to its strongholds in Syria, but Al-Hashd al-Shaabi forces are reporting daily advances towards liberating ISIS locations in that region.

Commanders from the US-led coalition have been quoted recently as saying that ISIS lost 75 percent of their fighters in Iraq and Syria.

***

Ministry: Iraqi refugees escaping battles reach above 103.000

by Mohamed Mostafa Dec 13, 2016

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com)

The number of Iraqi refugees fleeing battles between security forces and Islamic State militants has now reached 103,362 since a security campaign launched in October to recapture the city of Mosul, the Ministry of Migration and Displacement said on Monday.

The ministry’s camps received on Monday 2470 refugees from Mosul, Salahuddin and Kirkuk, said Minister Jassem al-Jaff in a written statement. Those were admitted to camps in Nineveh, Erbil, Duhok and Kirkuk, he explained.

Anadolu News Agency quoted Abu Bakr Kanaan, another ministry official in charge of repatriating Mosul refugees as saying that 15.000 refugees were returned to eastern Mosul regions over the past few days in coordination with security officials. Those included the villages of Nimrud, Sallamiay, Shoura and Hammam al-Alil, according to the official, who revealed that 10.000 others will be returned to those regions.

The United Nations estimates that there are at least 3 million internally-displaced people in Iraq. The UN is concerned over the fate of more than one million persons in Mosul as battles rage on between Islamic State militants and Iraqi troops seeking to drive the group out since October. Many at refugee camps are reportedly grappling with medicine and food shortages. 

***

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

***

US-Led Coalition Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 17, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

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

-- Near Raqqa, a strike damaged two bridges and a water control system.

-- Near Ayn Isa, four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position, an ammunition storage facility; and damaged two supply routes.

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

-- Near Palmyra, four strikes destroyed seven aircraft shelters and four weapons storage bunkers.

Strikes in Iraq

Fighter, rotary and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted three strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:

-- Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed six ISIL-held buildings, two fighting positions, two heavy machine guns and a front-end loader.

-- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed two bunkers.

***

US-Led Airstrikes Destroy ISIL’s Captured Tanks

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 16, 2016 —

US-led Coalition Airstrike Destroys ISIL Tank and Artillery Piece Operation Inherent Resolve supported Iraqi forces with airstrikes near Palmyra, Syria, Dec. 15, 2016, that aimed to destroy a tank and artillery piece that had previously been captured by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant forces.

ISIL seized the tanks and other military hardware from Tiyas Military Airfield near Palmyra, Syria, between Dec. 11-13.

“The [Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve] commanding general, [Army] Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, made it clear during his Dec.14th press conference that we would strike the equipment before it posed a threat to counter-ISIL operations,” said Air Force Col. John Dorrian, the CJTF-OIR spokesperson. “We will not allow ISIL to maintain capabilities that threaten Coalition or partner forces.”

The attacks occurred during daylight hours from late morning to early evening yesterday. Three artillery systems, two ISIL-held buildings, two tactical vehicles and an air defense artillery system were also destroyed in the strike. The equipment was destroyed in the vicinity of the Palmyra Airport, northeast of the city along a highway.

During the operation, 16 coalition aircraft fired 22 munitions destroying 22 targets, task force officials said.

***

US-Led Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 16, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 15 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Ayn Isa, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL-held building and damaged two supply routes.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes damaged a modular oil refinery and an excavator.

-- Near Palmyra, 10 strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 14 tanks, three artillery systems, two ISIL-held buildings, two tactical vehicles and an air defense artillery system.

Strikes in Iraq

Fighter aircraft and rocket artillery conducted three strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

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

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

-- Near Mosul, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed five ISIL-held buildings, two fighting positions, a heavy machine gun, a bulldozer and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher; and suppressed three tactical units and a mortar.

***

US-led Military Strikes Hit ISIL Targets in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 15, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Attack and fighter aircraft conducted five strikes in Syria:

-- Near Raqqa, a strike damaged six canal bridges and a minor water control network.

-- Near Ayn Isa, two strikes engaged a tactical unit, destroyed a fighting position and damaged four supply routes.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed seven oil tanker trucks, two oil wellheads and an oil workover rig.

Strikes in Iraq

Bomber and fighter aircraft conducted two strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government, engaging an ISIL tactical unit, destroying a fighting position and suppressing 11 ISIL tactical units and 13 mortar teams.

***

U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 14, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

Bomber and fighter aircraft conducted two strikes near Ayn Isa in Syria, engaging an ISIL tactical unit and damaging six supply routes.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack and fighter aircraft and rocket artillery conducted five strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:

-- Near Huwayjah, a strike destroyed a bridge.

-- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions, a supply cache, a bunker, a tunnel, a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and a mortar system; suppressed two mortar systems and a bunker; and damaged six supply routes.

-- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed an ISIL-held building.

***

US-Led Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 13, 2016 —

Strikes in Syria

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

-- Near Ayn Isa, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units, destroyed a command and control node and damaged five supply routes.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed four oil wellheads and three oil tanker trucks.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack and fighter aircraft and rocket artillery conducted seven strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:

-- Near Beiji, a strike destroyed a homemade explosives factory and supply cache.

-- Near Kisik, a strike destroyed two front-end loaders and a vehicle bomb.

-- Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed four ISIL vehicles, four mortar systems, four ISIL-held buildings, three rocket-propelled grenades, two vehicle bomb facilities, two front-end loaders, a tunnel, a land bridge and a supply cache; damaged 13 supply routes, a tunnel and bridge; and suppressed three ISIL tactical units. 

***

Share the link of this article with your facebook friends