Battle for Mosul begins: Iraqi and Kurdish forces launch assault on Isis stronghold

Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi orders military offensive to recapture city that has been under Islamic State control

A long-awaited offensive to seize back the Iraqi city of Mosul after two years of Isis control has begun, the country’s prime minister has announced.

In an address on state television, Iraq’s Haider al-Abadi said: “We have been battling Isis for more than two years. We started fighting Isis in the outskirts of Baghdad, and thank God we are now fighting them in the outskirts of Mosul, and God willing the decisive battle will be soon.”

After a month-long buildup, the last urban stronghold of Islamic State in Iraq has for several days been almost completely surrounded by a 30,000-strong force.

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