Islamic State: armed forces close in on Mosul

Iraqi and Kurdish forces have continued to close in on the last major stronghold of Islamic State in Iraq. The offensive supported by coalition airstrikes, began on Monday. Today, Kurdish forces opened up a new front in villages north east of Mosul like the strategically important Bashiqa - where fighting continues, while Iraqi forces attacked Bartella around six miles to the east - on the road between Mosul and Irbil - the Kurdish capital. They're also pushing north towards Hammam al- Alil.