Battle of Mosul could be a turning point

The battle for Mosul is of huge significance and could mark a turning point in the war against so-called IS. When the city was overrun by militants in 2014, it represented something of a high watermark for the terrorists.

Taking control of the city proved the dangerous organisation was capable of commanding significant territory.

Many within the city initially welcomed the arrival of IS and the world watched with interest to see if the militants could maintain their grip on power in such a strategically important stronghold. The answer, it seems, was an emphatic no. After two years of brutal rule, there are reports of brave residents doing everything in their power to assist the Iraqi troops in their bid to regain control of the sprawling city.

However, while there will surely be only one ultimate winner, there are warnings the conflict will be a bruising and lengthy one.

Around 5,000 IS fighters are thought to be in Mosul. Driving out such a determined and sizeable army is fraught with danger.

IS has lost significant ground in recent times and defeat in Mosul will be a devastating blow for the terrorists.

Whether or not it is fatal remains to be seen, but it could well come to be regarded in history as a pivotal and decisive moment.