Pentagon pens ground op plans for Mosul as campaign falters – DEBKA

‘Hopes for the successful conclusion of the US-backed operation to retake Islamic State stronghold Mosul are reportedly fading, with US generals now preparing plans to deploy American ground troops in Iraq, pending the approval of President-elect Donald Trump.
After seven weeks, Iraqi troops and their allies have failed to make significant progress in retaking Mosul – Iraq’s second-largest city – from terrorist group Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), despite outnumbering the jihadists 10-to-one.
On Monday, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter gave assurances that it was “possible” to take the city before President Barack Obama leaves office on January 20, adding that it would be a “tough fight.”’
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