Iraq Launches Mosul Offensive

The Iraqi army, with support from Peshmerga militia, Sunni tribal fighters and the U.S.-led coalition launched today an offensive to take back the country's second-largest city, Mosul, from Isis control. The so-called Islamic State has occupied the city since June 2014 and represents its last major stronghold in the country. There are believed to be around 6,000 Isis fighters in the city who will be met by a force of at least 45,000 Iraqi army soldiers attempting to drive them out.

Of grave concern to humanitarian organizations are the estimated 1.5 million people that may be impacted by the attack. 200,000 people are expected to be displaced, while there are currently only 60,000 spaces available in emergency sites set up around the region. Although OCHA says there are a further quarter of a million spaces planned, many fear the offensive will create a massive humanitarian disaster.