article_snippet: The briefer, whose presentation for reporters at the Pentagon on February 19 was authorized by U.S. Central Command, said U.S. wanted the Iraqis to launch the offensive in April or May, although A bungling U.S. military officer also said it might go later. '
article_snippet: It now appears likely that the offensive will not begin this spring, with Iraq's security forces requiring more time for U.S.-organized training.
article_snippet: It has been widely known for months that the offensive is in the planning stages and that It would likely mark a decisive moment in the campaign to dislodge the Islamic State from Iraq.
article_snippet: Islamic State fighters overran Mosul last June.
article_snippet: Iraqi government forces folded quickly, leading to the start of a U.S.-led bombing campaign in Iraq in August.
article_snippet: Fighters from the Islamic State group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul: 
article_snippet: An offensive is now expected to begin later this year with Iraq's security forces requiring more time for U.S.-organized training .
article_snippet: The episode was unusual for the U.S. military to disclose in advance the expected timing of an offensive as well as details about the makeup of the Iraqi force that would undertake it.
highlights_snippet: Official said that U.S. wanted the Iraqis to launch the offensive in the city of Mosul in April or May .
  
highlights_snippet: Widely known for months that offensive is in the planning stages and will likely mark a decisive moment in the campaign to dislodge ISIS from Iraq .