This segment originally aired Jan. 18, 2016, on VICE News Tonight on HBO.
Last week, Iraqi forces announced that Eastern Mosul is now liberated from ISIS forces.The near occupation of the eastern parts of the city is a major milestone in a protracted campaign that launched in October of last year. Iraqi forces have been getting help from the U.S., but now there’s a new American commander in chief, whose commitment to the mission is uncertain.Iraqi security forces are heavily dependent on American special forces and American air strikes. Donald Trump has publicly derided the Mosul offensive.