Iraq has launched an operation to regain control of western Mosul from ISIS militants, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Sunday.The Prime Minister described the operation, which comes after Iraq recaptured eastern Mosul, a "new dawn" in the liberation of Mosul.He urged Iraqi organizations to provide humanitarian services and support to the liberated area.The Iraqi air force dropped millions of leaflets over western Mosul late Saturday, warning residents of an offensive by ground forces on the ISIS-held part of the city.Iraqi forces have had control of the eastern part of the city, which is divided by the Tigris River, since January.The offensive to retake Mosul's west bank has been one of the Iraqi force's toughest challenges.ISIS over the past two years has dedicated much of its defensive preparations to this area.As many as 800,000 civilians live in western Mosul, according to the United Nations.ISIS seized Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, in 2014. It is the militant group's last major stronghold in the country.
Iraq has launched an operation to regain control of western Mosul from ISIS militants, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Sunday.
