In Iraq, operation started to recapture the city of Mosul, the last major stronghold of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the country. <br/><br/>Artillery from Kurdish peshmerga, Iraqi government and allied forces began firing on the city today. Tanks are now moving towards the city, which has been held by IS since 2014. <br/><br/>According to the BBC, Kurdish forces say they have retaken a number of villages in their advance. Pro-government forces are attacking from an airbase in Qayyarah, which was recaptured in August. The US-led coalition fighting IS is backing the assault with air strikes. <br/><br/>The start of the operation was announced by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in a televised address early this morning. <br/><br/>Meanwhile The United Nations has expressed extreme concern for the safety of up to 15 lakh people in the area. The UN deputy Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief voiced grave concern at risks faced by civilians.

In Iraq, operation started to recapture the city of Mosul, the last major stronghold of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the country. <br/><br/>Artillery from Kurdish peshmerga, Iraqi government and allied forces began firing on the city today. Tanks are now moving towards the city, which has been held by IS since 2014. <br/><br/>According to the BBC, Kurdish forces say they have retaken a number of villages in their advance. Pro-government forces are attacking from an airbase in Qayyarah, which was recaptured in August. The US-led coalition fighting IS is backing the assault with air strikes. <br/><br/>The start of the operation was announced by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in a televised address early this morning. <br/><br/>Meanwhile The United Nations has expressed extreme concern for the safety of up to 15 lakh people in the area. The UN deputy Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief voiced grave concern at risks faced by civilians.