The Peshmerga, during the northern Iraq offensive in June, 2014. Photo: Wikipedia.

Iraqi forces have launched an operation to retake the northern city of Mosul from so-called Islamic State (IS), officials say.

The first part of the long-awaited offensive has recaptured several villages, the Iraqi military has said.

The operation has been supported by air strikes from the US-led coalition, Kurdish Peshmerga troops and a Shia-dominated paramilitary force.

Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, has been under IS rule since June 2014.

Read full story at BBC.