The Campaign for Mosul: February 1-21, 2017
February 21, 2017 - Emily Anagnostos![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/Mosul%20City%20Campaign%20FEB1-21%20PNG-01_1.png?itok=aW7esvh3)
The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) launched operations to retake western Mosul on February 19. The ISF has not yet begun operations inside western Mosul city, focusing instead on isolating ISIS in Mosul by cutting off exits routes west of the city and setting conditions to breach the city limits through the southern airport.