BAGHDAD — Forces are converging from all directions to expel the Islamic State (IS) from the strategic city of Mosul in Iraq. Some troops are within 5 miles of the city, officials report, while others are making their way through many areas of Ninevah province that are still under IS control.
The military operation will cover a broad area, including al-Hadr, al-Baaj, al-Shura, Hammam al-Alil, Tal Afar, al-Mahlabiyah, Tal Abtah, Hamidat, Nimrud, Hamdania, Bartila, Tal Kaif, al-Ayadiyah and al-Qahtaniya.