KIRKUK, Kurdistan Region – Villages near Mosul are likely to become strategic bases for the anticipated operation to drive out Islamic State (ISIS) militants from Nineveh province, which is expected to start in mid-October, Iraqi and Kurdish officials say. Kurdish Peshmerga forces have virtually besieged Mosul along the city's northern and eastern borders while the Iraqi army has surrounded the city from the south, leaving only one route for the militants to flee Mosul towards the Syrian border in the east. The vicinity of both Kurdish controlled Kirkuk and Dohuk provinces to Mosul has given Peshmerga troops a key role in the anticipated offensive with both the Iraqi army and international coalition now calling for Kurdish participation in the battle despite earlier concerns. "We have completed all the preparations ahead of the operation since it is vital for us to succeed in Mosul with collaboration with both the Peshmerga and (Shiite) Hashd al-Shaabi," said Colonel Joma Shookor, commander of Iraqi army's 73rd brigade. Kurdish officials have in the past said their condition for participation in Mosul offensive is that local Sunni forces also take part along with the Iraqi army. It is however unclear how the Shiite and Kurdish forces will participate in the battle in a predominately Sunni city while avoiding escalation of ethnic and religious tensions. Some 20,000 Sunni fighters known as Hashd al-Watani will also support the operation, many of who have been recruited from Mosul itself. The possible participation of Shiite militia has stirred debate in the country with many Sunni leaders fearing it would boost the support for ISIS militants in Mosul and elsewhere in the country. "The decision to have the Shiite Hashd al Shaabi in the offensive has been made. I think all parties will participate since it will become our last battle against the ISIS," said Shiite militia commander Yazan Mashaan Jabouri. "We need the support of the Hashd, the army, the anti-tenor forces, the Peshmerga and the international coalition to defeat ISIS," Jabouri told Rudaw.
