Mosul, Iraq
The 2nd Iraqi Army Division is considered one of the most mature and effective formations in the Iraqi security forces. Led by the charismatic Major General Mouta’a, the division operates in Mosul and throughout Ninewa province. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense recently established the Ninewa Operational Command under the command of Lieutenant General Riyad to coordinate Army, police, and intelligence operations in the northern province.

While the idea of the Ninewa Operational Command coordinating operations between the disparate security forces is largely welcomed, the new command is seen as a burden by some Iraqi officers in the 2nd Division. The Ninewa Operational Command has failed to secure needed resources for operations in Mosul, such as materials needed to build the Riyad line, the berm, and checkpoints around the city. The new command has also caused friction in the ranks of the 2nd Division by accusing officers of incompetence or corruption, and has pressed for a Baghdad counterinsurgency model when some elements of that strategy may not work well in Mosul, according to several Iraqi officers. The command is viewed as just another layer in the failing bureaucracy of the Ministry of Defense.

The Ninewa Operational Command has also bled the division of needed resources. The command took over Tiger Base, a combat outpost in southwestern Mosul, to set up its command center, and absorbed almost a full battalion to serve as its base security and quick reaction force. This has hampered the 2nd Division’s operations in the city.

The command also barred Iraqi officers from talking on the television or radio, insisting all communications go through its own public affairs people. “Before we could communicate with the people,” Mouta’a said Forward Operating Base Marez. “Now with the Ninewa Operational Command we are not permitted to talk with the people.” Mouta’a explained he would frequently appeal to the residents of Mosul to provide tips on insurgent activity and cooperate with security forces. “Now I receive calls asking me why I am not talking to the people and telling me this has hurt confidence,” Mouta’a said.

But U.S. officers say the problems between the Ninewa Operational Command and subordinate units will work themselves out over time. The Iraqi Army sees value in elements of the Riyad Line, as controlling traffic into Mosul is needed to prevent insurgents from moving materials into the city. The decision to place the Iraqi police in the central neighborhoods of Mosul and the Iraqi Army in the outer neighborhoods is also welcomed.

This slideshow looks at a day with the 2nd Iraqi Army Division and the Ninewa Operational Command in Mosul. Also, General Jack Keane and Colonel HR McMasters dropped by in Mosul for a briefing.