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The Iraqi Security Forces has been moving toward Mosul, the last major ISIS stronghold in Iraq. Iraqi advances over the past few weeks, intensifying over the past few days, on both sides of the Tigris River have squeezed Mosul’s ability to supply ISIS operations to the south and have cut off ISIS militants in Hawija district from Mosul. Separately, the ISF seized the Qayyarah air base, setting there a foothold for further operations.
In the coming months, 560 US troops, include engineers and logistics personnel, will be deployed there. US military advisers will be placed with Iraqi brigades and battalions. The control of Qayyarah air base will also allow to increase air support of operations towards Mosul. All these efforts are aimed to conduct a devastating blow to ISIS militants south of Mosul and as result to start a siege of the stronghold.
On July 14, French President Francois Hollande annouced that France will send additional military advisers to Iraq and deploy an aircraft carrier to the region to assist in the fight against ISIS.