The "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) in Tal Afar is rife with internal divisions as the start of the battle to liberate the city, which lies 70 kilometres north-west of Mosul, draws near, Iraqi officials said Wednesday (August 16th).

Differences have existed among ISIS militants in Tal Afar for quite some time, Ninawa provincial council member Hassan Shabib al-Sabaawi told Diyaruna.

"But today, they are stronger than ever, especially as Iraqi forces are preparing to storm the city," he said.

The disputes, which have at times deteriorated into armed clashes, often take place between ISIS's Iraqi elements and the group's foreign fighters, he said.

The sharp decline in the group’s resources as a result of the months-long siege on Tal Afar, the fight for leadership and differing opinions on the management of the battle have been driving the internal feuding, al-Sabaawi said.

"Accusations of treason and leaking information have become more frequent against the backdrop of coalition and Iraqi airstrikes," he said.

Iraqi forces prepare for ground attack

Intensive air raids have been pounding ISIS sites in Tal Afar over the past two days in preparation for a ground attack, said Ninawa provincial council security committee chairman Mohammed Ibrahim.

"The strikes have targeted important facilities used by ISIS for meetings, storing weapons and explosives, and as fortifications," he told Diyaruna.

The military forces have completed the plan of attack and are maintaining a tight cordon on the city from all sides in preparation for the launch of the battle, he said.

There are no exact figures on the number of ISIS elements in Tal Afar, Ibrahim said, "but local sources speak of 2,000 [ISIS] elements" in the city.

The militants are in bad shape, he said, adding that "they are psychologically broken as the group suffers from military disarray".

Ibrahim said he was optimistic about the upcoming battle, noting that "achieving victory might not take more than a few days".