The Islamic State's Plan to Cut Mosul in Half

Iraqi troops have cleared the Islamic State from most of eastern Mosul and are now shifting their gaze across the Tigris River. Reaching the city's western half will not be easy, though. Five bridges span the river running through the heart of Mosul, all of which have been have severely damaged by U.S. airstrikes. Further sabotage by the Islamic State has rendered the structures almost impassable, making any attempt to cross the river a risky undertaking for Baghdad's beleaguered forces....