Article snippet: Video Iraqi Forces Launch Offensive on Mosul Iraqi forces resumed efforts to retake Mosul from the Islamic State on Sunday, launching airstrikes on the western part of the city where hundreds of thousands of civilians are still trapped. Photo by Khalid Al-Mousily/Reuters. Watch in Times Video » embed ERBIL, Iraq — Iraq opened the next chapter in its offensive to drive the Islamic State out of Mosul on Sunday, preparing an assault on the western half of the city. Overnight, planes carpeted the ground with leaflets, directly appealing to the group’s fighters to surrender.“To those of you who were intrigued by the ISIS ideology,” one of the leaflets said, “this is your last opportunity to quit your work with ISIS and to leave those foreigners who are in your homeland. Stay at home, raising the white flags as the forces approach.”On state-run television, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the beginning of the offensive, describing it as “a new dawn” and calling on his troops “to move bravely forward to liberate what is left of the city.”The Islamic State has held Mosul as its de facto Iraqi capital for more than two years, and it is the group’s last urban stronghold. Retaking the entire city, in what is expected to be a monthslong campaign, would be a huge victory for Iraqi troops. Continue reading the main story Link to the full article to read more