Iraq forces launch assault on west Mosul

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces have launched an offensive to retake western Mosul, the last major stronghold of so-called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq

Mosul
IRAQ

Western Mosul: About 650,000 civilians thought to be stranded

Mosul International Airport: IS has carved wide trenches, leaving no paved area usable for aircraft

Abu Saif: Hilltop village overlooking western half of city

First objectives are Abu Saif, military base, and airport

al Ghazali military base

All five bridges spanning Tigris destroyed

IRAQI FORCES CONTROL
ISLAMIC STATE CONTROL
OLD CITY

2km
1.25 miles

Great Mosque
Government centre
IS barricades
Muaskar
Tigris
City limits


Sources: Institute for the Study of War, Stratfor, Wire agencies
Picture: Google Earth