Iraqi Federal Police and security forces attacked Hammam al-Alil, a town located around 30 km (18 miles) south of Mosul, Saturday, as part of an ongoing effort to recapture the city, which has been under the control of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL) for more than two years.

Security forces stormed Hammam al-Alil on the ground while the Iraqi Air Force provided cover from above. The offensive to retake Mosul began on October 17 as a joint operation between Iraqi troops, Kurdish and Shia militias, as well as the US-led coalition.

Since troops first advanced on Mosul the Iraqi government has increased its stranglehold over the city, with some reports claiming forces have reached the Tigris River in the centre of the city.

RT