Colonel John Dorian News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Months it took to take the eastern side of the city, poppy. >> a very important point as they try and advance and retake all of mosul. ben, these u.s. troops we've learned that have been pushing closer to the front line have come under fire, some have been injured. what else do we know? >> reporter: we heard this from colonel john dorian, the coalition spokesman in baghdad. he told reporters that yes, there have been wounded among the u.s. personnel. some of have had to be medevac'd. they've come under fire several times. not surprising, because like me, like many other journalists, if you go ...

>> reporter: that's right. that came in a statement from colonel john dorian, the coalition spokesman in bagdad. he said yes, u.s. forces have come under fire, some have been wounded, some have been medevacked. we do know there are u.s. advisers and spotters. the numbers put it about 450, operating in the mosul theater, providing support for iraqi forces. now, the rules of engagement, as colonel dorian said, they are entitled to respond in kind if they come under fire. so it's not surprising that these things have happened. but it's just an indication of just how dangerous this battle is, not ...

Indifference to the lives of the innocent. phil black, cnn, mosul, iraq. right now, u.s.-backed iraqi forces have completely surrounded the city meaning isis fighters are trapped inside. they can not escape, they can not call for backup and they can not get new supplies. let's discuss with colonel john dorian, spokesman for operation inherent resolve. thanks for being with us, as we hear iraqi forces say they don't expect an imminent victory, what is your assessment on the battle for mosul? >> we've reached the toughest part of the battle. isil is desperate, they're using brutal tactics, the...