then launch counterattacks at iraqi forces' more fixed positions. >> the fighting in the days ahead expected to be fierce. fr in the planning for months. it has not been a secret. the iraqi military wanted to give civilians time to flee and warn them. donald trump, who obviously does not have military experience, has criticized the lack of secrecy surrounding the offensive. here's what he said in the last debate. >> let me tell you. mosul is so sad. we had mosul but when she left, when she took everybody out, she lost mosul. now we're fighting again to get mosul. the problem with mosul and what they wanted to do was they wanted to get the leaders of isis, who they felt were in mosul. whatever happened to the element of surprise? okay? we announce we're going after mosul. i've been reading about going after mosul now for about -- how long is it, hillary, three months? these people have all left. they've all left. the element of surprise.