Battle for Mosul has begun! Here are the basics you need to know

Mosul is the largest city in northern Iraq.

Iraqi Security Forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and Shia militia have launched the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS. The battle began with the allied coalition bombing the city's main bridge.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Iraqi Security Forces in alliance with Kurdish Peshmerga and Shia militia, have initiated the attack on Mosul. The attack has been anticipated for months and ISIS is said to have prepared for it.

The city of Mosul is the largest city in Northern Iraq and it had a large and vibrant Christian community. This community was wiped out along with other ethnic and religious minorities in the city. For over two years, people have suffered under the harsh, theocratic rule of ISIS.

The Islamic States pulled its best fighters and commanders from the city weeks ago. It is a sign they plan for the city to fall. They mined the approaches to the city and have placed booby traps under bridges, in potholes and at other key locations.

Squads of suicide bombers are allegedly waiting and several have already carried out missions. The terrorist soldiers are also rumored to have a cache of chemical weapons on hand. Iraqi Security Forces have distributed gas masks, just in case.

As the attack proceeds, American advisors are also present behind the lines, providing advice, passing along intelligence, and coordinating airstrikes.

American and British special forces are also embedded with Kurdish fighters, but are not allowed to enter the city. These operators will hold back and stop any ISIS soldiers from fleeing in their direction.

A safe passage corridor does exist for ISIS fighters to use and escape Mosul. While the idea of a safe passage corridor sounds ridiculous, it is actually an ancient military tactic, described by the Chinese general Sun Tzu. By providing the enemy with an avenue of escape, he is less likely to stand his ground and fight. This makes it much easier for the attacker to achieve victory with minimal cost.

As the defender retreats down the safe corridor, he can then be ambushed and destroyed without the benefit of a prepared defense.

This tactic was famously displayed in 1991 when Iraqi forces were allowed to flee Kuwait and were subsequently slaughtered on the highway back to Baghdad. The lopsided engagement was nicknamed, "the Highway of Death."

As the coalition forces advance into Mosul they allegedly have help from locals who have staged their own armed uprising. Few details are known, but there are several reports that locals have taken up arms against ISIS within the city. Their help will prove critical as few know the lay of the city and the scope of ISIS operations as well as the local civilians.

There is no end date for the operation, but it is expected to last several days or even weeks. The most recent reports indicate that ISIS has already suffered "heavy losses of life and equipment," according to the official Iraqi report.

---

The California Network is the Next Wave in delivery of information and entertainment on pop culture, social trends, lifestyle, entertainment, news, politics and economics. We are hyper-focused on one audience, YOU, the connected generation. JOIN US AS WE REDEFINE AND REVOLUTIONIZE THE EVER-CHANGING MEDIA LANDSCAPE.