With IS on the way out, Iraqi power struggles pose major threat
As Iraq struggles to contain pockets of Islamic State resistance following the liberation of Mosul, political differences and a power struggle between domestic groups threaten more conflict.
Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the US commanding general of the combined task force of Operation Inherent Resolve, confirmed that the war against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq is not over yet, despite the great victory in Mosul and the end of IS’ occupation of the strategic city. He said there are still major challenges ahead for the Iraqi armed forces to establish security in Iraq.
During a July 11 press conference in Baghdad, he told journalists via satellite, “There are still pockets of resistance in Mosul, holdouts, and hidden IEDs [improvised explosive devices] that will take weeks to clear, as well as remaining [IS] enclaves in Hawija and western Anbar.” Iraqi Interior Minister Qasim al-Araji confirmed this, saying July 16 that "the battle is far from over.”
One of the most important challenges facing the Iraqi forces is the loss of a large number of troops in the battles in Mosul. According to the US Department of Defense, the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) suffered 40% battle losses in Mosul. The CTS has played the most important role in the liberation of Mosul, and prior to that in many areas in Anbar and Salahuddin provinces; it enjoys a good reputation among Iraqis, due to its performance, professionalism and abstention from any sectarian conduct.
There are indications that the federal police losses were bigger than those of the CTS. “When we compare the losses of the federal police with those of the CTS and the Iraqi army, we find that the federal police sacrifices were great,” Hakim Zamili, chairman of the Iraqi parliament's Security and Defense Committee, said in a July 11 TV interview.
