The Battle For The Iraqi City Of Mosul -- News Updates Febraury 5, 2017

ABC News Online: Analysis: Mosul: A frontline dispatch from the war against Islamic State

Mosul is in shock… a sort of state of suspended animation. The Islamic State (IS) group still controls the west of the city, but Government forces control the east.

Over the last month, Iraqi Government forces have routed the so-called IS and seized control over all of the eastern half of Mosul.

It's an important victory against the most feared terror group in the world.

It shows the security forces are up to the task, after they were rebuilt and retrained with the aid of foreign advisers, including Australian soldiers.

And this moment offers an interesting reflection on the role of religion in this conflict.

Mosul is an overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim city — but most of the soldiers are Shiites.

Read more ....

More News On The Battle For The Iraqi City Of Mosul

At former jihadist training camp, Iraqi police face drones, crack snipers -- Reuters
Car Bombs, Civilians Will Complicate Fight for

Western Mosul -- Military.com/Stars and Stripes
Iraq faces massive challenge in Mosul offensive: UN envoy -- AFP
Iraq sends reinforcements ahead of new push against IS in Mosul -- New China
Mosul residents outraged by IS 'hole fee' -- AFP
ISIS digs tunnel under Nabi Yunis (Jonah) Shrine in Mosul -- RUDAW
Rights Group: Iraqi Shi'ites Detaining Sunni Men Fleeing Mosul -- VOA
East Mosul in the dark after ISIS cut national electricity grid -- RUDAW
Discarded ISIS Receipts Offer Glimpse into Former Life in Mosul -- AP
Inside the once elegant Mosul hotel ISIS used to pamper foreign fighters and suicide bombers -- Reuters
'They sold out Mosul': Iraqis freed from ISIS rule have a new enemy much closer to home -- Reuters
Poorly trained Iraqi police force recipe for disaster -- Chronicle Herald
Areas of Mosul are still under siege, but signs of life return -- PBS Newshour