In Iraq, Government forces have launched a ground offensive to dislodge Islamic State militants from the western part of the city of Mosul, the last major stronghold of Islamic State (IS). Backed by artillery and air power, Army seized several villages yesterday. <br/><br/>IS militants are under siege in western Mosul, along with an estimated 650,000 civilians, after they were forced out of the eastern part of the city in the first phase of an offensive.The eastern part of the city was liberated from IS last month after heavy fighting.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande has said about 400,000 civilians could be displaced by the offensive as residents of western Mosul suffer food and fuel shortages and markets are closed.