Start here: Latest developments on fight against ISIS

Bergen explains what ISIS is after in this CNN story Tuesdaythe end times, the apocalypse. It’s high time, Bergen argues, that the United States and others stop trying to rationalize ISIS’ behavior as rational.

Lister breaks down how and why ISIS is gaining momentum in many other countries besides Iraq and Syria.

ISIS launches major assault on Kurdish front in Iraq

ISIS fighters launched a major assault Tuesday night southwest of Irbil, Kurdish officials said.

A “big attack” is taking place near the towns of Gwer and Makhmour, one Kurdish source told CNN. The towns are some 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Irbil, the Kurdish capital.

Kurdish officials said they were concerned ISIS fighters would break through their lines. If that happens, there would be little standing between ISIS and the Kurdish capital, though Tuesday’s attacks are likely aimed at drawing the already stretched Kurdish forces in many different directions to relieve the pressure on Mosul, which ISIS seized in June.

Poll shows growing support for ground fight against ISIS

It could be part of a U.S. plan to provide the Syrian rebel teams with a variety of gear to carry out the task of defending local areas from ISIS, and eventually being able to conduct offensive operations, the official said. The gear is expected to include pickups, machine guns, communications and GPS equipment, the official said. It is also expected that mortars will be provided. No decision has been made yet on providing more sophisticated anti-tank weapons.

The first American trainers are expected in Jordan at the beginning of March. Training sessions are expected to last six to eight weeks. The official would not say how many teams will be outfitted, although the United States hopes to train about 5,000 rebel forces.

White House summit on extremism

Also on Tuesday, the White House convened a three-day Summit on Countering Violent Extremism. At least 60 nations are participating. Tuesday’s agenda will focus on three cities — Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Boston — that have pilot programs to battle extremism. Officials and leaders from those cities will share what they’ve learned.

Who is doing what in the global coalition against ISIS?

CNN’s Barbara Starr, Tim Lister and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report. This collection of the latest developments is drawn from reporting and writing from across CNN’s platforms.

CNN