With ISIS driven to the surrounding mountains, what is next for city of Mosul as they prepare for future attacks – PB/TK
After Mosul, Islamic State digs in for guerrilla warfare – By Michael Georgy / July 20 2017
MOSUL (Reuters) – Islamic State militants began reinventing themselves months before U.S.-backed Iraqi forces ended their three-year reign of terror in Mosul, putting aside the dream of a modern-day caliphate and preparing the ground for a different fight.
Intelligence and local officials said that, a few months ago, they noticed a growing stream of commanders and fighters flowing out of the city to the Hamrin mountains in northeast Iraq which offer hideouts and access to four Iraqi provinces.
Some were intercepted but many evaded security forces and began setting up bases for their new operations.
What comes next may be a more complex and daunting challenge for Iraqi security forces once they finish celebrating a hard-won victory in Mosul, the militants’ biggest stronghold.
Continue to oann.com article: http://www.oann.com/after-mosul-islamic-state-digs-in-for-guerrilla-warfare/
