“We set the highest standards for protecting civilians,” he said. “It is my view that our dedication, diligence and discipline in prosecuting our combat operations while protecting civilians is without precedent in the recorded history of warfare.”
Townsend described the battle in the old city of Mosul as the most significant urban combat to take place since World War II. “It is tough and brutal, [with] house-by-house, block-by-block fighting,” he said.
The coalition commander said the battle to defeat ISIS is a brutal fight on multiple fronts, and the most difficult he’s seen in his career.
“Although our partners and the coalition have made mistakes that have harmed civilians, we have never targeted them -- not once,” Townsend said. “On the other hand, the savages that are ISIS deliberately target, terrorize and kill innocent civilians every day. The best and fastest way to end this human suffering is to quickly liberate these cities and Iraq and Syria from ISIS.”
Despite the intensity of the fighting, Iraqi security forces continue to press ISIS on multiple axes, presenting them with multiple dilemmas, the general said, adding that the enemy cannot respond to the approach.
Progress Made In Syria
In Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces have completely isolated the east side of Raqqa, and they are engaged in a tough battle to seize Tabqah and Tabqah dam, Townsend told reporters.
“Yesterday, they completed the seizure of Tabqah airfield,” he said. “This was a great accomplishment by a capable partner force. They were supported by coalition advisers, U.S. and coalition airpower, Marine heavy artillery and Army Apache helicopter gunships.”
(Source: US Dept of Defense)
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