BBC: Iraq-Kurdish force of 25,000 'to retake Mosul from IS'

A joint Iraqi-Kurdish military force of up to 25,000 fighters is being prepared to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State (IS), a US official says.

The senior military official has said that the operation to recapture the northern city would probably take place in April or May.

Iraq's second largest city was currently being held by 1,000 to 2,000 IS militants, the official added.

Mosul, which was home to more than a million people, fell to IS last June.

WNU Editor: With details of the planned assault on Mosul now being leaked out, it looks like the Pentagon is trying to "psych-out" the Islamic State .... Pentagon Tries to Psych Out ISIS (Daily Beast).

More News On The Planned Assault To Retake Mosul From The Islamic State

U.S. announces plans for 25,000 Iraqi troops to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city, in spring offensive -- Daily Mail/AP
Up to 25,000 Iraqi troops preparing for attack on Islamic State in Mosul -- The Guardian
CENTCOM: US-Iraq mission to take back Mosul to launch in April or May -- Stars and Stripes
Assault to Retake Iraqi City From Islamic State Is Planned for Spring -- New York Times
U.S. Sees Need of up to 25,000 Iraqis to Retake Mosul -- WSJ
U.S. Announces Plan for Massive Counter-ISIS Attack -- US News and World Report
U.S. plans large-scale operation to take Mosul from Islamic State -- Washington Times
Key Iraqi battle to liberate Mosul planned for spring -- USA Today
U.S. Anticipates Mosul Offensive With 20,000 Iraqi Troops -- Bloomberg
U.S. Official: American Forces May Help Iraq Retake Mosul -- NBC
US military outlines plan to retake Iraqi city of Mosul -- FOX News
US, Iraq planning spring assault to retake Mosul from ISIS -- RT
US Military Reveals Massive Plan To Attack, Retake Mosul From Islamic State -- Defense One