Repairs have begun on Khazir Bridge, which spans the Great Zab River on the route linking Erbil with Mosul.

Islamic State militants blew up the bridge when they retreated from Erbil in order to prevent the Peshmerga from advancing across the river towards Mosul.

Peshmerga forces have been using a makeshift bridge. Bringing the main bridge back into service will make it easier for the Peshmerga to move their forces and arms into position for the operation to liberate Mosul.