Iraq says it's launched offensive to recapture Mosul
Baghdad - An Iraqi military spokesman says the long-awaited military operation to recapture the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants "has begun."
The spokesman for the Joint Military Command, Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, says Iraqi forces retook several villages on the outskirts of the town of Makhmour, east of Mosul, on Thursday morning.
Rasool says the U.S.-led international coalition is providing air support. He wouldn't divulge more details.
