He said it was impossible to differentiate between civilians and fighters who melt in amongst them. Islamic State has forced its dress code on the population during the two years it has controlled the city. Men are required to have long beards, something the militants are still policing. ‚Our soldiers can’t recognize them until it’s too late, when the attacker either detonates his explosive vest or throws a grenade,‘ the colonel said, adding that he lost two T-72 tanks and an armored vehicle in a single day’s fighting on Tuesday. ‚It’s becoming a nightmare and it’s nerve-wracking for the soldiers,‘ he said.“ (Dominic Evans/Ahmed Rasheed: „‚Crashing waves‘ of jihadists fray soldiers‘ nerves in Mosul battle“)