World diplomats seek post-battle plan for IS bastion Mosul
PARIS — Iraq’s prime minister vowed Thursday to protect civilians fleeing the battle to oust Islamic State extremists from Mosul, as the offensive picked up speed and diplomats worked to ensure the gains are lasting — and that jihadists don’t escape.
French President Francois Hollande, hosting a conference on stabilizing Mosul, urged the international community not to abandon the city once the multi-pronged military operation is over. Diplomats from the U.S., Iraq and some 20 other countries gathered in Paris to devise a plan to protect civilians, distribute aid and address questions about governing areas newly liberated from IS.
The offensive for Mosul — Iraq’s second-largest city and the biggest IS-held city — is expected to take weeks, if not months. There are fears it could unleash sectarian tensions, and threaten civilians in a region ravaged by years of violence.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said Thursday that Mosul may fall sooner than expected. “The fighting forces are currently pushing forward toward the town more quickly than we thought, and more quickly certainly than we established in our plan of campaign,” he told the Paris conference via video transmission.