Pentagon calls Mosul briefing a mistake by CentCom

By

Robert Burns, The Associated Press

FILE – In this Feb. 10, 2015 file photo released by the U.S. Army, a Danish trainer tells an Iraqi army trainee, 2nd from left, to correct his weapon’s position during simulated room clearing exercises, as part of multinational efforts in helping combat the Islamic State militant group in Iraq. Questions persist about whether the struggling Iraqi military will be ready for the operation to retake Mosul, the country’s second largest city, from Islamic State militants in just a few months. A U.S. Central Command official provided some details of the battle plan saying the coordinated military mission to retake Mosul will likely begin in April or May 2015. (AP Photo/Master Sgt. Mike Lavigne, U.S. Army, File)

WASHINGTON — Top Pentagon officials say U.S. Central Command was wrong to have briefed reporters on plans for an Iraqi-led ground offensive in Mosul.

They also say the commander of U.S. Central Command is investigating and will take some action.

In the Feb. 19 briefing for reporters, a Central Command official said Washington wanted the Iraqis to undertake the offensive in April or May, and he described in unusual detail the makeup of the Iraqi force that would lead the combat.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter told a Senate committee that the information provided to reporters was inaccurate, and that even if it had been accurate it should not have been “blurted out” to reporters.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, the Joint Chiefs chairman, said Central Command is investigating the matter.

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Robert Burns, The Associated Press