Iraq and US on a mission to free Mosul from IS stronghold

Lt. General Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, center, of Iraq's elite counter terrorism forces meets with his officers during the preparation to re-take the IS-held City of Mosul. Photo | AP

An Iraqi army member looks toward Islamic State group territory outside Qayyarah, Iraq. Photo | AP

Kurdish security forces setting up the missile launcher as they get ready to fight IS forces in Mosul. Photo | AP

Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition air and ground support, launched coordinated military operations early on October 17. Photo | AP

A Peshmerga convoy drives towards a frontline in Khazer, Iraq. Photo | AP

Kurdish security forces take up a position as they fight overlooking the Islamic State-controlled in villages surrounding Mosul, in Khazer, about 30 kilometers east of Mosul, Iraq. Photo | AP

Smoke rises from Islamic state positions after an airstrike by coalition forces in villages. Photo | AP