Atlanticist and Gulf television channels announced the fall of Mosul to ISIL militants six hours before they entered the city.

This technique, typical of 4th generation warfare, is designed to break the morale of the population and to undermine its resistance.

In this respect, the fall of Mosul bears a strong resemblance that of Tripoli (Libya): Atlanticist and Gulf news channels broadcast images contrived in a studio to create the impression that the rebels had entered the capital and taken control of Green Square, its most famous landmark.