BRUTAL FIGHT
Fighters of the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) paramilitaries prepare defensive positions near the frontline village of Ayn al-Hisan where Iraqi forces are preparing for the offensive retake the western side of Mosul from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP PHOTO
Fighters of the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) paramilitaries prepare defensive positions near the frontline village of Ayn al-Hisan where Iraqi forces are preparing for the offensive retake the western side of Mosul from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP PHOTO
BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces launched an offensive on jihadists defending Mosul’s west bank Sunday, in what could be the most brutal fighting yet in a four-month-old operation on the city.