Iraqi forces attack ISIS positions south of Mosul

Officers involved in the operation said Iraqi forces had advanced in tanks and armoured vehicles towards the village of Haj Ali, about 60 km south of Mosul, under cover of coalition airstrikes and artillery fire.

Iraqi forces are also advancing on the edge of the Islamic State bastion of Falluja further south, while in Syria US-backed forces are encircling the militant-held town of Manbij. 

Iraqi troops were deployed to the northern Makhmour area earlier this year and launched an operation in March touting it as the beginning of a bigger campaign to retake Mosul — the largest city under militant control.