I’m not sure what’s up with all the administration’s chatter about the forthcoming – or not – assault on ISIS in Mosul. Why telegraph our military intentions to the enemy? Unless Obama’s Boyz are trying to deflect criticism that the President doesn’t have a plan for combatting the proto-Islamic caliphate’s killers ahead of the Congressional “debate” on the use of force authorization. Or maybe it’s a double fake . . .
Maybe we’re pretending that we’re going to attack because ISIS will think we’re bluffing. Which would make today’s story that the Iraqi army says it won’t be ready a double double bluff. Like I said, I’m confused. In any case, philly.com reports that cases of guns are headed to Iraq . . .
Iraqi officials continue to insist they haven’t gotten the advanced weapons they need for the offensive in the northern city of Mosul, and some question whether they will be ready for a spring offensive. But the Pentagon insists the United States has sent tens of thousands of weapons and ammunition and more is in the pipeline . . .
A U.S. Central Command official provided some details of the battle plan Thursday, saying the coordinated military mission to retake Mosul will likely begin in April or May and will involve up to 25,000 Iraqi troops. They have cautioned, however, that if the Iraqis aren’t ready, the timing could be delayed.The core of the fighting force will be five of Iraq’s most accomplished brigades, which will go through additional U.S. training before the operation.
But Zamili said that while several of Iraq’s units have gone through training recently, “these well-trained brigades cannot get involved in battles without being equipped with advanced and effective weapons that would enable them to penetrate enemy lines.”
His comment reflects a common complaint from the Iraqi government, both in recent months and throughout much of the Iraq war. The U.S., however, has sent tens of thousands of weapons, ammunition, body armor and other equipment to the country.
According to a senior defense official, the U.S. sent nearly 1,600 Hellfire missiles to Iraq last year, and has already delivered 232 more. About 10,000 M-16 assault rifles are due to arrive in the next few weeks, along with 23,000 ammunition magazines. The U.S. also has delivered thousands of rockets, mortar rounds, tank rounds, .50-caliber rounds and 10,000 M-68 combat optical sights, a rifle scope commonly used by the U.S. military.
About 250 mine-resistant, armor-protected vehicles will be delivered in a few weeks, along with sophisticated radio systems for the MRAPs and more ammunition rounds, said the official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Anonymously? You mean treasonously! Check out that video of ISIS’ stockpile of M-16’s leaning against the wall. Not to sound defeatist, but unless the U.S. gets its you-know-what together, ISIS could be set to add to their collection.