Reuters: Iraq launches Mosul offensive to drive out Islamic State
Iraqi government forces launched a U.S.-backed offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, a high-stakes battle to retake the militants' last major stronghold in the country.
Two years after the jihadists seized the city of 1.5 million people and declared a caliphate from there encompassing tracts of Iraq and Syria, a force of some 30,000 Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Sunni tribal fighters began to advance.
Helicopters released flares and explosions could be heard on the city's eastern front, where Reuters watched Kurdish fighters move forward to take outlying villages.
A U.S.-led air campaign has helped drive Islamic State from much of the territory it held but 4,000 to 8,000 fighters are thought to remain in Mosul.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraqis push toward IS-held Mosul in long-awaited operation. Mosul: Iraqi army battles ISIL in 'historic operation'.
Some 1,500 Turkey-trained Iraqi forces taking part in Mosul operation: sources. Turkey to take part in Mosul operation: Erdogan.
Syria war: Turkish-backed rebels seize Dabiq from ISIL. Turkish military says Syrian border security largely achieved with Dabiq seizure.
Aleppo air strike kills 14 members of one family: rescue team.
US, UK say support is weak for military action against Syria.
Saudi Arabia says sees indications ceasefire could be accepted in Yemen.
Kuwait sets snap polls for November 26.
Iran holds air force drills to display defense capabilities.
ASIA
Taliban offensives kill dozens, displace thousands in Afghanistan.
Afghan vice-president escapes unhurt after Taliban ambush convoy.
India's Modi, at summit, calls Pakistan 'mother-ship of terrorism'.
China defends Pakistan after 'mother-ship of terrorism' comment.
Ahead of China visit, Philippine leader says no sense in war. After threat of rift, Philippines looks to reset ties with China.
Myanmar fires border police chief over deadly insurgent attacks.
As Thailand mourns, junta says king's death won't delay vote.
Dozens dead in bus crash in Pakistan.
Japan begins discussions on emperor's abdication.
Chinese astronauts blast off for Heavenly Palace on 'space dream' mission.
AFRICA
At least 60 killed as fighting surges in South Sudan.
Three Egyptian soldiers killed during air, ground raids on Sinai militants: Army.
Niger jihadist prison attack 'contained'. Gunmen attack Niger prison holding Islamist militants: minister. Niger troops repel attack on prison holding 'terrorists'.
Tensions high in Libya's capital as faction challenges U.N.-backed government. 'I hate to say it but our life was better under the previous regime': War-weary Libyans miss life under Gaddafi.
Egypt passes law to curb trafficking of migrants bound for Europe.
Freed Chibok girls reunited with families.
Kigeli V Ndahindurwa: Last king of Rwanda dies.
EUROPE
'Motorola': Ukraine rebels accuse Kiev over commander's death. Murder of Donetsk militia commander threatens to reignite Ukraine's civil war.
Two Danish airports, shopping centers evacuated after bomb threats.
EU cool on Russia sanctions over Syria.
Putin says the West can 'screw themselves' over the threat of more Russian sanctions.
Moscow puts responsibility for wrapping up dialogue with Russia on Washington — diplomat.
Montenegro election: Djukanovic declares ruling party victory.
Man blows himself up at TV station in Abkhazia.
Russian broadcaster RT says UK bank suspends its accounts.
Wikileaks: Julian Assange's internet access 'cut'.
Hitler house in Austria 'to be demolished'.
AMERICAS
Trump charges U.S. election results being rigged 'at many polling places'. Trump steps up 'rigged' election claims.
FBI director: We really have no idea if there’s ‘an epidemic of police violence against black people’.
At least 25 prisoners die as riots erupt in Brazil jail. Brazil prison clashes 'kill 25 inmates'.
Colombia's ELN rebels reject 'express peace process'.
Booming business on Venezuela's 'wild' border.
As U.S. watches Mexico, traffickers slip in from Canada.
Looting near U.N. base in Haiti; Ban promises more aid.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
There's a new push to counter the rise of ISIS in Southeast Asia.
Wheels of justice barely turn at Guantanamo prison.
9/11 suspect ‘sodomized’ in CIA custody returns to Guantanamo Bay after rectal surgery.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
'An incredible failure of leadership:' Apple's car project is wracked with internal strife.
Deutsche Bank may pull back on US operations as part of settlement.
Global economic recovery 'still treacherous' says China's Xi.
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