Iraq begins battle to free western Mosul from IS

[TomSea]

Iraq begins battle to free western Mosul from IS
Iraqi government forces have launched an offensive to liberate the western part of the city of Mosul from the so-called Islamic State.

Hundreds of military vehicles, backed by air power, rolled across the desert towards IS positions early on Sunday.

Iraqi forces retook several villages south of the city in the first hours of the operation, taking them within striking distance of Mosul airport.

Continued: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39018984