© GRAPHIC NEWS
© GRAPHIC NEWS
© GRAPHIC NEWS
MILITARY
Iraqi forces launch assault on west Mosul
By Jordi Bou
February 20, 2017 - U.S.-backed Iraqi forces have launched a ground offensive to retake western Mosul from Islamic State militants, the latest operation in a four- month battle to drive the jihadi group out of its last stronghold in Iraq. Concern has been voiced by the UN about the welfare of civilians trapped in Mosul, amid reports that they could number up to 650,000.