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Much at stake in battle for Mosul

Iraqi officials announced during the weekend that the long-awaited major offensive to liberate Mosul from Islamic State terrorists was getting underway. Good. It is about time.

Mosul, in northern Iraq, is the last major bastion of the IS in that country. No doubt the terrorists will fight hard and viciously to make the battle as bloody as possible. And no doubt they will massacre civilians left in the city.

Iraqi officials may well view the offensive as an important public relations move. The IS has held Mosul since June 2014, reaping propaganda victories from being able to turn back government offensives to liberate the city.

But much more is at stake in Mosul.

It is unknown precisely how many IS fighters are defending the city. Clearly, however, the number is substantial. Allowing any of them to escape, perhaps fleeing to Syria, would be a mistake.

U.S. involvement in the offensive is limited. In addition to providing airstrikes, American troops will be using artillery against the IS fighters in Mosul.

In addition to encouraging Iraqi officials to erect barriers around Mosul to prevent IS fighters from escaping, U.S. military leaders should do all in their power to kill terrorists before they can flee.

Mosul is a situation in which simply winning the battle is not enough.

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