Battle of Mosul (2016–2017) order of battle

The Battle of Mosul (2016–2017) was a major military campaign launched by the Iraqi government and its allies to recapture the city of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This entry details the composition and structure of the forces involved on both sides of the conflict.

Iraqi Government and Allies:

The coalition against ISIS in Mosul comprised a multi-faceted force, including:

• Iraqi Security Forces (ISF): The backbone of the offensive, the ISF included various branches:

  • Iraqi Army: Leading the advance, the army contributed multiple divisions drawn from various commands. Key divisions included the 9th Armored Division, 15th Infantry Division, and 16th Infantry Division. Specific brigades varied over the course of the battle.
  • Federal Police: Played a crucial role in urban combat and securing liberated areas.
  • Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS): Elite special forces units, spearheaded many assaults and targeted key ISIS positions.
  • Emergency Response Division (ERD): Specialized unit within the Ministry of Interior, engaged in close-quarters combat.

• Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) (Hashd al-Shaabi): A predominantly Shia militia coalition officially integrated into the Iraqi security apparatus. The PMF played a significant role in encircling Mosul from the west, cutting off ISIS supply lines to Syria. Notable PMF groups included:

  • Badr Organization
  • Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq
  • Kata'ib Hezbollah

• Peshmerga: Kurdish forces primarily focused on clearing areas to the east and north of Mosul. Key Peshmerga units included:

  • Zeravani
  • Gulan Special Forces

• International Coalition: Led by the United States, the coalition provided crucial air support, intelligence, training, and logistical assistance to the ISF, Peshmerga and to a lesser extent the PMF. Specific contributions included:

  • United States: Provided air power, special operations forces advisors, artillery support (including HIMARS), and intelligence gathering.
  • Other Coalition Members: Contributed air support, training, and advisory roles. Key contributors included the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, and others.

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS):

The ISIS forces defending Mosul consisted primarily of:

• Local and Foreign Fighters: A mix of Iraqi and foreign jihadists, often organized into specialized units.
• Inghimasiyun: Suicide assault troops, often used to disrupt enemy advances.
• Specialized Units: ISIS employed various specialized units for tasks like sniper operations, IED placement, and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attacks.
• Religious Police (Hisbah): Enforced ISIS's strict interpretation of Sharia law within the city.

Command Structure and Coordination:

The Iraqi government oversaw the overall operation with coordination between the ISF, PMF, and Peshmerga. The U.S.-led coalition provided strategic guidance and support to the Iraqi government. The command structure on the ISIS side was believed to be hierarchical, with a central leadership directing operations within Mosul.

Note: The precise numbers and composition of forces fluctuated throughout the duration of the battle. This entry provides a general overview of the participating units and their roles.