After years of conflict rooted in ethnic animosities, life in Mosul seems to be returning to normal for residents who say they have suffered under the US occupation and from armed groups.

Since 2009 more than 30,000 Iraqi forces have been deployed across Nineveh province, with the US military providing support and advice.

More than 2,100 policemen have been killed since 2003, according to Major-General Ahmed Hassan Al-Juboori, Nineveh's police chief, but he still believes his forces are ready and that Mosul is almost secured.

By the end of 2011, all US troops stationed in Iraq will withdraw from the country. But with violence surging anew, US and Iraqi leaders are reconsidering the withdrawal.

Al Jazeera's Omar Al Saleh reports from Mosul, in northern Iraq.