U.S.-backed Iraqi troops pushed into the last Islamic State stronghold in Mosul on Sunday, an Iraqi commander said, formally launching the final major battle of an eight-month campaign to drive the militants from Iraq's second largest city. The IS group captured Mosul when it swept across northern and central Iraq in the summer of 2014. The extremists are expected to make their last stand in the Old City, a densely populated quarter with narrow, winding alleys. Iraq state TV aired live footage showing thick black smoke rising from the Old City, with the sound of gunfire rattling inside. The International Rescue Committee called on Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led coalition to "do everything in their power to keep civilians safe during these final stages of the battle for Mosul."

Source: Fox News June 18, 2017 13:07 UTC