ISIS seeks news blackout in Mosul as Army nears

For Iraqis living in ISIS-stronghold of Mosul, news is dwindling about the US-backed Army massing to the south for an assault on the city that could begin in 2016 itself.

Soon after Iraqi forces established a foothold in the Makhmour area in February, about 60 km from the northern city, the jihadists began restricting access to television for its 1 million-strong population, according to residents.

With limited and erratic access to internet and mobile networks, civilians in Mosul have depended on satellite TV for their primary source of news from the outside world since ISIS captured the city two years ago.

The timing of the crackdown is significant, according to local officials and analysts. They said ISIS’ aim was to insulate residents and its own fighters from any further news about the advance of Iraqi forces.

This could reduce the chances of a co-ordinated uprising against ISIS in the city and of people who could be used as “human shields” trying to flee, they said, as well as preventing morale among fighters falling.

The move reflects the importance of Mosul to the militants; the capital of Nineveh province is the largest under their control.

ISIS wants to prevent its fighters and civilians under its control from learning about its setbacks, said Nineveh provincial councilman Hassan al-Sabawi.

“They are scared of satellites because they give a realistic picture of the situation,” he said, in contrast to the group’s own one-sided media.

Mosul residents say they mostly watch Iraqi TV channels focused on Nineveh like al-Mousalia, al-Sharqiya and Nineveh al-Ghad, as well as pan-Arab stations Al Jazeera and Al Hadath.

ISIS has removed satellite TV receivers from some cafes and markets and said they would be banned from all public spaces in one month, according to five residents contacted over the phone and Internet.