Iraqi forces launch military push to drive 'IS' out of Mosul

Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by US-led coalition air and ground support, have launched co-ordinated military operations in Mosul.

Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by US-led coalition air and ground support, have launched co-ordinated military operations in the long-awaited fight to wrest the northern city of Mosul from so-called Islamic State fighters.

Convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and US forces could be seen moving east of Mosul early on Monday. Along the front line, US-led coalition air strikes sent plumes of smokes into the air and heavy artillery rounds could be heard.