Skip to content

Mosul Conflict: In-Depth Analysis and Examination of Its Key Aspects

Analysis of Significant Urban Battles: A New Series Debut

Mosul Conflict Examination: In-Depth Analysis
Mosul Conflict Examination: In-Depth Analysis

Mosul Conflict: In-Depth Analysis and Examination of Its Key Aspects

In the heart of northern Iraq, the Battle of Mosul unfolded over a prolonged period from June 2014 to July 2017. This urban conflict, part of a systematic campaign that also included battles in Tikrit, Ramadi, and Fallujah, presented unique challenges, some of the most difficult ones of the campaign.

At the forefront of the analysis of this significant battle is Major Jayson Geroux, an infantry officer with The Royal Canadian Regiment and part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division headquarters. With twenty-six years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces under his belt, Major Geroux is not only an urban operations subject matter expert but also an urban warfare historian. He has participated in, planned, executed, and intensively instructed on urban operations for the past seven years.

The Battle of Mosul has had a profound impact, influencing both individual conceptualizations of urban warfare and institutional thinking and military culture. One researcher who delved into this battle is Harshana Ghoorhoo, previously affiliated with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Ghoorhoo created the initial research work and framework for the subsequent case studies of the Battle of Mosul.

John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies at a specific website and codirector of MWI's Urban Warfare Project, also contributed to the study of the Battle of Mosul. Spencer, who served twenty-five years as an infantry soldier, including two combat tours in Iraq, offers valuable insights from his experience.

Cpl. Rachel Diehm, the photographer credited for the image used in this article, captured the essence of the battle, providing a visual narrative to supplement the research findings.

The Battle of Mosul was initially expected to take three months, but it lasted for more than two years. This prolonged conflict offers a unique perspective on urban warfare, serving as a case study for future military operations.

Interestingly, the Battle of Mosul was the second case study in a series focused on urban battles. The first case study in the series focused on the World War II Battle of Stalingrad. These case studies aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban warfare, drawing lessons from historical battles and applying them to contemporary conflicts.

It is crucial to note that the views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of various military and government organizations. The Battle of Mosul, with its complexities and challenges, continues to serve as a valuable resource for understanding and preparing for urban warfare in the future.

[Image credit: Cpl. Rachel Diehm]

Read also:

Latest