On the 17th of November 2016 Iraqi, Kurdish and Coalition forces began a consorted offensive on Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq, under ISIS control for over two years. This report explains the battle for the city today and why it matters to the world. RealMatter on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RealMatters-849114191857939/ --------- Mosul fell to the jihadists in June of 2014 mainly due to the majority Sunni populations deep distrust of the Shia dominated Iraqi government. As we have seen in previous videos the Sunni/Shia divide in Islam has been playing itself out in the turbulent middle east and has a prominent role in affairs. The attack on Iraq by ISIS in 2014 almost led to the collapse of the coalition backed government in Iraq and prompted a renewed American presence in the country in order to sure up the existing government structure. The main players involved in the battle for Mosul is a broad coalition of forces on the side of the Iraqi army, principaly the Kurdish Peshmerga forces who have been engaged in fighting ISIS since they entered the region. It is estimated that coalition forces range at around 108,000, mostly comprising of the Iraqi army and aproximetly 40,000 Kurdish Peshmerga forces. There is an uneasy friendship between the two. Iraqi forces are worried that the Peshmerga will use this opportunity to gain territory in Iraq and therefore are attempting to control peshmerga advances. An international coalition of over 60 countries including the United States is also involved in other operations supporting the Iraqi army, in Intelligence, airstrikes and training operations. Notably around 2000 Turkish forces have been based in Iraq without the consent of the Iraqi Government , who have twice demanded that Turkey withdraw from the Area. Turkish president Erdogan has insisted in maintaining a presence and playing a role in the battle. Most analysts would argue this is due to Turkeys fear of a growing Kurdish unity and presence, which it says threatens its own domestic security in Kurdish regions of Turkey. It is crucial to remember that Turkey is also a Sunni country and shares a distrust for the Shia government of Iraq, further amplifying its calls to maintain a presence in the country. Analysts estimate that Isis forces number between 6-9,000 militants, although these estimates vary and its accuracy is debated. In the first two weeks of the offensive Iraqi forces gained ISIS territory around the city rapidly. But progress slowed after troops entered Mosul from the East on the 1st of November, as they were targeted by snipers, suicide bombers and shellfire. In the centre of the city, four of the five main bridges which unite the east and west of the town, have been put out of action by coalition air strikes, with the aim of limiting the jihadists' ability to resupply or reinforce their positions in the east. Also, the presence of ISIS strongholds, booby trapped houses and surprise attacks has slowed the Iraqi armies advance considerably. Music courtesy of : http://www.bensound.com