Iraqi forces begin second phase of Mosul offensive

Iraqi security forces have begun the second phase of their offensive against so-called Islamic State militants in Mosul, pushing into some eastern districts where the battle has been in deadlock for nearly a month.



Thousands of federal police troops who redeployed from Mosul's southern outskirts two weeks ago also pushed into a handful of southeastern districts, state television reported.

"This is the second phase of the operation to liberate Mosul conducted by the special forces, the federal police and us on this front," a senior army commander told Reuters in a village just north of Mosul.
 [rte.ie]
29/12/16