Iraqi forces advance against Islamic State in Mosul offensive

Iraqi forces advance against Islamic State in Mosul offensive

As part of the Iraqi governments offensive on Mosul, Iraqi Kurdish military forces have started to clear several villages held by Islamic State. Some 30,000 Iraqi government forces, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters are expected to take part in the offence to drive up to 8,000 Islamic State militants out of Mosul. If Mosul falls, Raqqa in Syria will be Islamic States last city stronghold. Oct 17, 2016
Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abad announces start of Mosul offensive

Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abad announces start of Mosul offensive

On 17 October, Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of an offensive to retake Mosul, the capital of Islamic States so-called caliphate in Iraq. The assault on Mosul is backed by the US-led coalition, could be one of the biggest military operations in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion. Mosul is the last major stronghold for Islamic State in Iraq. Oct 17, 2016