CNN reported that up to 25,000 Iraqi and Kurdish led forces will launch an attack on the Islamic State (IS) to regain Mosul--but why would the United States announce the attack?
It is unusual for the military to tip its hand, potentially allowing IS to prepare for and expect the attack.
"I think it’s a little irresponsible that we’re announcing that we are going to prepare Kurdish and Iraqi forces to go in six or eight weeks before they are going in," said Fran Townsend, CNN national security analyst. "Really, you are telling the enemy we are coming."
Many experts were baffled by the report, saying they had never seen such an announcement before.
"Regardless of whether or not we’re going in, I don’t think it’s smart to signal your intention," Townsend said.