Iraq launches offensive to oust 'IS'

Iraqi forces have begun a long-awaited, large-scale military operation to drive Islamic State militants out of the sprawling western Anbar province, the military said.

Iraqi forces have begun a long-awaited, large-scale military operation to drive the so-called Islamic State militants out of the sprawling western Anbar province, the military said.

The operation started at dawn and government forces were being backed by Shiite and Sunni pro-government fighters, a spokesman said.