Beginning of the end for IS in Mosul: US-led coalition spokesperson

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) –  Spokesperson for the US-led coalition Air Force Col. John L. Dorrian said he believes the opening of a new avenue of advance for the Iraqi Security Forces “signals the beginning of the end” for the Islamic State (IS) on Friday in a Skype interview with Kurdistan24 from Baghdad.

“It’s just a matter of time” before IS is defeated in Mosul, according to Dorrian.

In the interview, Dorrian discussed the ongoing role of US forces and advisors saying, “they continue to advise the Iraqi command elements” and provide intelligence and logistical support to Iraqi Forces in Mosul.

On reports of civilian casualties, Dorrian confirmed investigations by the US-led coalition are underway. He also highlighted the challenges of the fight against IS, which has killed “tens of thousands of civilians” in Iraq and Syria.

Dorrian said he could not give an exact timeline, saying the enemy is deeply entrenched in West side of Mosul. An Iraqi commander previously mentioned they would drive the extremist group out of Mosul before the end of May. 

Iraqi forces on Feb. 19, 2017, launched the military operation to retake the western part of Mosul from the extremist group. The operation is ongoing but has slowed down in the past few weeks due to the number of civilian casualties. Dorrian alluded to the use of chemical weapons and human shields by IS in Mosul has a contributing factor.

The new front against IS in Mosul, its de facto Iraqi capital, renewed optimism as efforts to defeat the militants in the city now entered their eighth month.

The spokesperson briefly addressed the post-IS military situation in Iraq stating it is “up to Baghdad, with feedback from the people of Iraq, to decide what level of partnership they would like to continue in terms of military cooperation with each coalition partner.”

“It’s a decision for the Government of Iraq how many forces will remain after the Islamic State’s defeat,” he said. Dorrian underscored that the partnership between US and Iraq so far has been successful in driving IS back.

Dorrian also talked about the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) progress in Syria against the Islamic State.

“They have taken back 8,000 SQ/km of territory back,” he said and suggested it’s only a matter of time until Raqqa becomes the next target. 

He denied an increase of US troops on the ground in Syria, addressing the recent reports of US patrols along the Syrian/Turkish borders.

“This is nothing new,” Dorrian said, claiming they have previously “intermittently conducted these types of patrol since the fall of 2016.”