Smoke rises from a building as Iraqi soldiers take positions after retaking of Bartilla Town from Islamic State members during the operation to retake Iraq's Mosul, October 20, 2016. Ali Mohammed - Anadolu Agency
BAGHDAD: The Iraqi army launched an operation on Saturday to take Qaraqosh, a Christian town near Mosul, the last major city stronghold of Islamic State in Iraq, the military said.
Qaraqosh, about 20 kms (13 miles) southeast of Mosul, was emptied of its population in 2014, when Islamic State swept through the region.
Iraqi special units earlier this week captured Bartella, a Christian village north of Qaraqosh.
The offensive that started on Monday to capture Mosul is backed by the U.S.-led coalition. It is expected to become the biggest battle fought in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Islamic State also controls parts of Syria.
