A long-awaited offensive to seize back Mosul after two years of Isis control has begun with columns of armour and military starting to move on the northern Iraqi city. Battle for Mosul begins: Iraqi and Kurdish forces launch assault on Isis stronghold – latest news Read moreHaider al-Abadi said: “We have been battling Isis for more than two years. South of the city, Iraqi forces, which had driven hundreds of miles for what Baghdad has hailed as a last battle against the terrorist group, moved into their final positions on Friday. “The United States and the rest of the international coalition stand ready to support Iraqi security forces, Peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead. “Godspeed to the heroic Iraqi forces, Kurdish peshmerga, and Ninewa volunteers.

Source: The Guardian October 16, 2016 23:06 UTC