The U.S. is downplaying ideas that the Iraqi and Kurdish forces will quickly retake Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.
The so-called Islamic State has controlled the city for two years, and military forces, with support from U.S. special forces, are advancing.
U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter is calling this a decisive moment, but at the White House, spokesman Josh Earnest is more cautious.
IN: "This is...
OUT: ...of that city."
DUR: 17
White House spokesman Josh Earnest says it will be a big deal once the Iraqis are back in control of Mosul.
IN: "Given the...
OUT: ...strategic gain."
DUR: 19
***