BAGHDAD, IRAQ (6:00 A.M.) – The U.S. Air Force began their massive aerial campaign over the Islamic State capital of Mosul in northwestern Iraq last night.

According to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, the U.S. conducted more than 10 airstrikes over Mosul last night, hitting several Islamic State targets around the city.

The U.S. airstrikes in Mosul are paving the way for the upcoming Iraqi Army offensive to retake this provincial capital.

No set date has been established for this massive ground operation; however, it is expected to commence before year-end.