In Iraq, the army has launched an operation to take Qaraqosh, a Christian town near Mosul. This is the last major city stronghold of Islamic State. <br/><br/>Qaraqosh, southeast of Mosul, was emptied of its population in 2014, when Islamic State swept through the region. The offensive that started on Monday to capture Mosul is backed by the U.S.-led coalition. <br/><br/>The army is also trying to advance on Mosul from the south while Kurdish Peshmerga fighters are holding fronts in the east and north. <br/><br/>Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi yesterday ordered an army brigade to head to Kirkuk to assist the Peshmerga clear the remaining buildings still held by the militants.<br/><br/>Kurdish Peshmerga fighters took control of Kirkuk in 2014, after the Iraqi army withdrew from the region. <br/><br/>Meanwhile, in the ongoing attack by the Islamic State group in the Iraqi city of Kirkuk has killed at least 46 people. An Interior Ministry Brigadier General told AFP that most of the victims are security personnel. <br/><br/> The brigadier also said at least 25 jihadist attackers had been killed since the raid was launched early yesterday.

In Iraq, the army has launched an operation to take Qaraqosh, a Christian town near Mosul. This is the last major city stronghold of Islamic State. <br/><br/>Qaraqosh, southeast of Mosul, was emptied of its population in 2014, when Islamic State swept through the region. The offensive that started on Monday to capture Mosul is backed by the U.S.-led coalition. <br/><br/>The army is also trying to advance on Mosul from the south while Kurdish Peshmerga fighters are holding fronts in the east and north. <br/><br/>Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi yesterday ordered an army brigade to head to Kirkuk to assist the Peshmerga clear the remaining buildings still held by the militants.<br/><br/>Kurdish Peshmerga fighters took control of Kirkuk in 2014, after the Iraqi army withdrew from the region.