France has begun air operations over Iraq from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Reports say, a number of Rafale fighter planes took off from the carrier early today. The Charles de Gaulle, France's only aircraft carrier, was sent to the region earlier in September.<br/><br/>This is its third mission with the US-led coalition since France stepped up military operations after the January 2015 Paris attacks. Iraqi forces have gained significant ground in the battle for Mosul, which was occupied by IS in June 2014, and are expected to launch an offensive to retake the city soon.