Battle for Mosul: Iraq and Kurdish troops make gains

Iraqi pro-government forces have made gains at the start of a large-scale operation to retake Mosul, the last major stronghold of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the country.
Iraqi government troops and Kurdish fighters launched their push towards the city in the early hours of Monday.
IS seized Mosul during a lightning offensive in June 2014.
Correspondents say the battle will be difficult and could take months. The UN has expressed concern for civilians.
The BBC's Orla Guerin, who is with Kurdish tank units advancing from the east, says they have closed the gap with IS position on... read more