BBC: IS conflict: Iraq launches ground offensive in Tal Afar
Iraqi ground forces have begun an operation to retake Tal Afar, the last major city in the country held by the Islamic State group, officials say.
In a televised speech announcing the offensive overnight, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the jihadists had the choice between "surrender or die".
The army targeted Tal Afar after seizing Mosul, IS's main stronghold 55km (35 miles) to the east, in July.
Tal Afar, which has a mainly Shia-Muslim population, fell to IS in 2014.
It sits on a major road between Mosul and the Syrian border that was once a key supply route for the jihadist group.
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More News On Iraqi Forces Starting Their Assault On The ISIS Stronghold Of Tal Afar
Iraq starts offensive to take back Tal Afar from Islamic State -- Reuters
Iraqi forces launch fresh assault on one of the few remaining ISIS strongholds -- Washington Post
Iraq begins battle to retake Tal Afar, IS bastion near Mosul: PM -- AFP
Iraqi Forces Begin Battle To Retake Tal Afar From IS -- RFE
Iraq launches offensive to retake Tal Afar from ISIL -- Al Jazeera
Revived After Mosul, Iraqi Forces Prepare to Battle ISIS in Tal Afar -- New York Times
Military reinforcements in Kirkuk heading to Tal Afar -- Al Arabiya
US Forces Create Base Near Besieged Tal Afar to Launch Op Against Daesh -- Sputnik
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