Iraq: Battle to retake Islamic State stronghold of Mosul continues

Iraqi security forces and local militias continued operations to recapture Mosul, Sunday by liberating nearby towns from the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL) and cutting off supply routes to the militants. Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the military operation to liberate the country’s second largest city. IS captured Mosul in 2014 and the offensive is now spearheaded by the Iraqi army and Kurdish militia, supported by the coalition led by the Un