Kurds launch ‘large-scale’ offensive in Mosul

Photo: AFP

Kurdish fighters say they have launched a large-scale operation east and north of Mosul, as an offensive to oust so-called Islamic State (IS) militants from the Iraqi city continues, the BBC reports.

The Kurds say the operation aims to tighten the noose around the militants’ last major stronghold in Iraq.

The Iraqi army has been moving from the south, and special forces have now joined the offensive.

There are signs that IS leaders have fled Mosul, the US military says.

There are thought to be up to 5,000 IS fighters still in the city.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS