Iraq’s newly elected president has nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate on Monday (April 27), after political factions aligned under the Coordination Framework agreed to step aside following reported US pressure over earlier plans to back former premier Nouri al-Maliki. The Coordination Framework, a Shia alliance with varying ties to Iran, had initially supported Maliki for the premiership. However, US President Donald Trump issued warnings that contributed to Iraqi leaders reconsidering the nomination amid fears of punitive consequences. For weeks, Iraqi political blocs held intensive negotiations to avoid a constitutional crisis. The deadlock followed Trump’s January warning that Washington could cut support to Iraq if Maliki returned to power due to his close ties with Iran.&nbsp;"President Nizar Amede has tasked Ali al-Zaidi, the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, with forming the new government," the presidency said in a statement.Zaidi now has 30 days to form a government, though Iraq has a long history of missing constitutional deadlines during government transitions. The announcement followed the Coordination Framework’s formal endorsement of Zaidi as its candidate. The alliance also praised the historic and responsible stance" of Maliki and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani "for withdrawing their candidacies. Yasser al-Maliki, head of Maliki’s parliamentary bloc, congratulated Zaidi, saying we will support him in forming the government.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-melania-greet-king-charles-iii-and-queen-camilla-at-white-house-1777323847786">WATCH | Trump, Melania greet King Charles III and Queen Camilla at White House</a>&nbsp;Since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, Iraq has remained a key arena of influence between Washington and Tehran, with both powers shaping political outcomes. The invasion also enabled Iran to expand its influence in Iraq’s political system, leaving successive governments to balance competing regional interests. By political convention, Iraq’s prime minister is typically Shia, the parliament speaker Sunni, and the presidency Kurdish.<h2>Who is Ali al-Zaidi?</h2>Zaidi, relatively unknown in national politics, is a businessman, banker, and media owner who has never held public office. If successful, he would become Iraq’s youngest prime minister at age 40. Political analyst Hamzeh Hadad said Zaidi appears to 'have the tools' as a banker and media owner to help him sway people and politicians. His nomination also helps the Coordination Framework demonstrate adherence to constitutional timelines, regardless of whether government formation succeeds smoothly.&nbsp;Despite years of instability, Iraq has seen periods of relative calm, though its political landscape remains deeply influenced by internal rivalries and regional tensions.The announcement comes amid broader regional instability following conflict involving US and allied strikes on Iran, which further strained Iraq’s political environment.Iraq was pulled into wider regional tensions, with attacks on US-linked interests and Iran-backed groups operating within its borders. Talks on forming a government had slowed during the escalation but resumed after a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect on April 8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-may-be-forced-into-bulletproof-vest-after-3rd-assassination-attempt-1777311010769/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-may-be-forced-into-bulletproof-vest-after-3rd-assassination-attempt-1777311010769/embed</a>&nbsp;The incoming prime minister will face pressure to address US demands for Iraq to disarm Iran-backed militias designated as terrorist organizations by Washington.These groups have been accused of launching attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region during periods of heightened conflict. The new leadership will also need to rebuild relations with Gulf states, which have expressed concern over militia activity linked to Iran-backed factions. Economically, Zaidi faces major challenges, including stabilizing revenues heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for roughly 90% of Iraq’s budget, especially after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz impacted export flows.

Iraq appoints Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate after US pressure and political negotiations, amid Iran tensions and regional instability

Iraq’s newly elected president has nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate on Monday (April 27), after political factions aligned under the Coordination Framework agreed to step aside following reported US pressure over earlier plans to back former premier Nouri al-Maliki. The Coordination Framework, a Shia alliance with varying ties to Iran, had initially supported Maliki for the premiership. However, US President Donald Trump issued warnings that contributed to Iraqi leaders reconsidering the nomination amid fears of punitive consequences. For weeks, Iraqi political blocs held intensive negotiations to avoid a constitutional crisis. The deadlock followed Trump’s January warning that Washington could cut support to Iraq if Maliki returned to power due to his close ties with Iran. "President Nizar Amede has tasked Ali al-Zaidi, the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, with forming the new government," the presidency said in a statement. Zaidi now has 30 days to form a government, though Iraq has a long history of missing constitutional deadlines during government transitions. The announcement followed the Coordination Framework’s formal endorsement of Zaidi as its candidate. The alliance also praised the historic and responsible stance" of Maliki and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani "for withdrawing their candidacies. Yasser al-Maliki, head of Maliki’s parliamentary bloc, congratulated Zaidi, saying we will support him in forming the government. Also Read: WATCH | Trump, Melania greet King Charles III and Queen Camilla at White House Since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, Iraq has remained a key arena of influence between Washington and Tehran, with both powers shaping political outcomes. The invasion also enabled Iran to expand its influence in Iraq’s political system, leaving successive governments to balance competing regional interests. By political convention, Iraq’s prime minister is typically Shia, the parliament speaker Sunni, and the presidency Kurdish. Who is Ali al-Zaidi? Zaidi, relatively unknown in national politics, is a businessman, banker, and media owner who has never held public office. If successful, he would become Iraq’s youngest prime minister at age 40. Political analyst Hamzeh Hadad said Zaidi appears to 'have the tools' as a banker and media owner to help him sway people and politicians. His nomination also helps the Coordination Framework demonstrate adherence to constitutional timelines, regardless of whether government formation succeeds smoothly. Despite years of instability, Iraq has seen periods of relative calm, though its political landscape remains deeply influenced by internal rivalries and regional tensions. The announcement comes amid broader regional instability following conflict involving US and allied strikes on Iran, which further strained Iraq’s political environment. Iraq was pulled into wider regional tensions, with attacks on US-linked interests and Iran-backed groups operating within its borders. Talks on forming a government had slowed during the escalation but resumed after a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect on April 8. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-may-be-forced-into-bulletproof-vest-after-3rd-assassination-attempt-1777311010769/embed The incoming prime minister will face pressure to address US demands for Iraq to disarm Iran-backed militias designated as terrorist organizations by Washington. These groups have been accused of launching attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region during periods of heightened conflict. The new leadership will also need to rebuild relations with Gulf states, which have expressed concern over militia activity linked to Iran-backed factions. Economically, Zaidi faces major challenges, including stabilizing revenues heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for roughly 90% of Iraq’s budget, especially after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz impacted export flows.

Iraq names businessman Ali al-Zaidi as Prime Minister-designate amid US pressure, Iran tensions, and ongoing political and economic challenges

Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq PM-designate amid US pressure and Iran tensions. Who is he?

Iraq elected a new President last week and he put forward Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani as the Prime Minister-designate. Who is Al Sudani? Will he be able to bring Iraq out of the political crisis?

Iraq's new Prime Minister-designate, who is Al Sudani?

The US called the drone attack on Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi as an "apparent act of terrorism".

The attack had taken place at Iraqi PM's high-security residence in Baghdad's Green Zone as the government said it was a "failed assassination attempt".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-prime-minister-escapes-assassination-attempt-after-explosive-laden-drone-targets-his-house-427315">Also Read:&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister escapes assassination attempt</a>

Iraqi security forces boosted security around the area which also hosts the US embassy including several foreign embassies.

"We are relieved to learn the prime minister was unharmed. This apparent act of terrorism, which we strongly condemn, was directed at the heart of the Iraqi state," Ned Price, State Department spokesman said.

The US has offered assistance to investigate the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack for far.

Watch: Drone attack&nbsp;targets Iraq PM

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drone-attack-targets-iraq-pm-us-condemns-the-act-of-terrorism-427375/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports say three drones were used during the attack on the Iraqi prime minister and two were reportedly shot down. Kadhimi, 54, later conducted a meeting with security commanders to discuss the drone attack.

The Iraqi prime minister later emerged in a video message in which he said: "My residence has been the target of a cowardly assault. Praise God, I am fine."

Reports said six members of the prime minister's protection&nbsp;unit were injured during the drone attack. Reports claimed some parts of the prime minister's residence was damaged as officials began investigating the incident.

Saudi Arabia condemned the "cowardly terrorist act" including Iran as it urged "vigilance to foil plots aimed at the security and development" of Iraq.

Other nations including Syria, Lebanon, Arab League, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar also condemned the attack.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The US called the drone attack on Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi as an "apparent act of terrorism". The attack had taken place at Iraqi PM's high-security residence in Baghdad's Green Zone as the government said it was a "failed assassination attempt".

The US called the drone attack on Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi as an "apparent act of terrorism". The attack had taken place at Iraqi PM's high-security residence in Baghdad's Green Zone as the government said it was a "failed assassination attempt". Also Read: Iraqi Prime Minister escapes assassination attempt Iraqi security forces boosted security around the area which also hosts the US embassy including several foreign embassies. "We are relieved to learn the prime minister was unharmed. This apparent act of terrorism, which we strongly condemn, was directed at the heart of the Iraqi state," Ned Price, State Department spokesman said. The US has offered assistance to investigate the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack for far. Watch: Drone attack targets Iraq PM Reports say three drones were used during the attack on the Iraqi prime minister and two were reportedly shot down. Kadhimi, 54, later conducted a meeting with security commanders to discuss the drone attack. The Iraqi prime minister later emerged in a video message in which he said: "My residence has been the target of a cowardly assault. Praise God, I am fine." Reports said six members of the prime minister's protection unit were injured during the drone attack. Reports claimed some parts of the prime minister's residence was damaged as officials began investigating the incident. Saudi Arabia condemned the "cowardly terrorist act" including Iran as it urged "vigilance to foil plots aimed at the security and development" of Iraq. Other nations including Syria, Lebanon, Arab League, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar also condemned the attack. (With inputs from Agencies)

Act of terrorism, says US after Iraq Prime Minister escapes drone attack

Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi vowed on Wednesday that his country will never&nbsp;become a launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia, during a long-awaited visit to the kingdom aimed at forging closer economic and security ties.

In January, explosive-laden drones had crashed into the main royal palace in Riyadh, with American media citing US officials as saying they were launched from neighbouring Iraq.

Saudi officials did not publicly disclose any details on the reported attack on the sprawling Al-Yamama complex, the official residence and office of King Salman as well as the main base of the royal court.

But the news raised alarm in a country that has frequently come under missile and drone attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, where Riyadh-backed forces are engaged in a six-year conflict.

A relatively unknown militant group in Iraq calling itself the Righteous Promise Brigade claimed responsibility for the strike, but it was considered by security experts to be a front for more entrenched Iran-backed militias.

Kadhemi said the group's claim was "not true" and insisted that the attack was not launched from Iraq.

"We will not allow any attack on the kingdom," he told reporters after what his aides described as an hours-long meeting with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"There haven't been any attacks" from Iraq.

"There have been attempts by some to... disrupt relations" between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, he added, without elaborating.

Known to maintain close personal ties with Prince Mohammed, Kadhemi walks a diplomatic tightrope as Baghdad often finds itself caught in the tug of war between Tehran and its rivals Riyadh and Washington.

Kadhemi's trip comes after the countries reopened their Arar land border crossing in November for the first time since Riyadh cut off diplomatic ties with Baghdad in 1990, following Iraqi ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.

Aside from a discussion on border security, the Iraqi premier said he and his delegation of senior ministers sought to further boost trade and economic cooperation with the kingdom during a day-long visit to Riyadh.

Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements on&nbsp;financial, commercial, economic, cultural and media fields.

Separately, the Saudi state news agency (SPA) said the kingdom’s investments in Iraq were expected to rise to 10 billion riyal ($2.67 billion) from a little over 2 billion riyal ($533.29 million) now.

“There are a number of Saudi companies investing in Iraq and there is a real desire for a number of others to expand their investments there,” SPA said.

“The Saudi side is keen on additional investments that are expected to reach 10 billion riyal in various sectors.”

SPA added that Riyadh “considers positively” Iraqi calls for an increase in Saudi investment, especially in energy, water desalination and food industries.

Iraq is the second-largest producer in the OPEC oil cartel, outranked only by Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Kadhemi, whose government has sought to fast-track foreign investment including Saudi support for energy and agriculture, is pushing for deeper cooperation with Riyadh.

Kadhemi was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip as prime minister last July, but the visit was cancelled at the last minute when King Salman was hospitalised for surgery to remove his gall bladder.

His trip to Tehran, Riyadh's arch-rival, went ahead, with the premier meeting Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

&nbsp;

Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi vowed on Wednesday that his country will never become a launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia, during a long-awaited visit to the kingdom aimed at forging closer economic and security ties.

Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi vowed on Wednesday that his country will never become a launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia, during a long-awaited visit to the kingdom aimed at forging closer economic and security ties. In January, explosive-laden drones had crashed into the main royal palace in Riyadh, with American media citing US officials as saying they were launched from neighbouring Iraq. Saudi officials did not publicly disclose any details on the reported attack on the sprawling Al-Yamama complex, the official residence and office of King Salman as well as the main base of the royal court. But the news raised alarm in a country that has frequently come under missile and drone attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, where Riyadh-backed forces are engaged in a six-year conflict. A relatively unknown militant group in Iraq calling itself the Righteous Promise Brigade claimed responsibility for the strike, but it was considered by security experts to be a front for more entrenched Iran-backed militias. Kadhemi said the group's claim was "not true" and insisted that the attack was not launched from Iraq. "We will not allow any attack on the kingdom," he told reporters after what his aides described as an hours-long meeting with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "There haven't been any attacks" from Iraq. "There have been attempts by some to... disrupt relations" between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, he added, without elaborating. Known to maintain close personal ties with Prince Mohammed, Kadhemi walks a diplomatic tightrope as Baghdad often finds itself caught in the tug of war between Tehran and its rivals Riyadh and Washington. Kadhemi's trip comes after the countries reopened their Arar land border crossing in November for the first time since Riyadh cut off diplomatic ties with Baghdad in 1990, following Iraqi ex-dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. Aside from a discussion on border security, the Iraqi premier said he and his delegation of senior ministers sought to further boost trade and economic cooperation with the kingdom during a day-long visit to Riyadh. Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements on financial, commercial, economic, cultural and media fields. Separately, the Saudi state news agency (SPA) said the kingdom’s investments in Iraq were expected to rise to 10 billion riyal ($2.67 billion) from a little over 2 billion riyal ($533.29 million) now. “There are a number of Saudi companies investing in Iraq and there is a real desire for a number of others to expand their investments there,” SPA said. “The Saudi side is keen on additional investments that are expected to reach 10 billion riyal in various sectors.” SPA added that Riyadh “considers positively” Iraqi calls for an increase in Saudi investment, especially in energy, water desalination and food industries. Iraq is the second-largest producer in the OPEC oil cartel, outranked only by Saudi Arabia. Kadhemi, whose government has sought to fast-track foreign investment including Saudi support for energy and agriculture, is pushing for deeper cooperation with Riyadh. Kadhemi was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip as prime minister last July, but the visit was cancelled at the last minute when King Salman was hospitalised for surgery to remove his gall bladder. His trip to Tehran, Riyadh's arch-rival, went ahead, with the premier meeting Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iraq PM pledges country will never become launchpad for attacks on Saudi Arabia

Iraq's president&nbsp;named 54-year old Adnan al-Zurfi as the new prime minister of the country.

Zurfi now has 30 days to prove his majority in the Parliament. al-Zurfi is widely perceived as a pro-Western politician in Iraq.

He has lived in the United States and even holds dual citizenship of US and Iran but Iraqi law requires him to give up his US citizenship before he can take charge.

al-Zurfi has served multiple terms as the governor of Najaf and will now head the Nasr group in the country's parliament.

Early in his career, al-Zurfi belonged to the Dawa party which opposed the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Two years back, he was elected to the country's parliament.

The pro-Iran bloc has already rejected his designation. Fatah which is the political arm of the Iran-backed Hashed al-Shaabi released a statement calling the move "unconstitutional".

However, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the US would support al-Zurfi if he upholds Iraqi sovereignty and provides basic amenities to the people of Iraq.

The PM-designate asked the country to prepare for fresh elections within a&nbsp;year's time, vowed to restore civil peace and to handover weapons to the state.

"I will make sure to prepare free, fair, transparent elections within a maximum period of one year in cooperation with the UN committee in Iraq," Adnan al-Zurfi said, adding," I will work to confine arms to the hands of the state, eliminate all armed manifestations, and enforce state authority. I will also work to restore the full civil peace and joint coexistence among all whatever their variety alike and without discrimination."

Iraq's president named 54-year old Adnan al-Zurfi as the new prime minister of the country. Zurfi now has 30 days to prove his majority in the Parliament. al-Zurfi is widely perceived as a pro-Western politician in Iraq.

Iraq's president named 54-year old Adnan al-Zurfi as the new prime minister of the country. Zurfi now has 30 days to prove his majority in the Parliament. al-Zurfi is widely perceived as a pro-Western politician in Iraq. He has lived in the United States and even holds dual citizenship of US and Iran but Iraqi law requires him to give up his US citizenship before he can take charge. al-Zurfi has served multiple terms as the governor of Najaf and will now head the Nasr group in the country's parliament. Early in his career, al-Zurfi belonged to the Dawa party which opposed the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Two years back, he was elected to the country's parliament. The pro-Iran bloc has already rejected his designation. Fatah which is the political arm of the Iran-backed Hashed al-Shaabi released a statement calling the move "unconstitutional". However, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the US would support al-Zurfi if he upholds Iraqi sovereignty and provides basic amenities to the people of Iraq. The PM-designate asked the country to prepare for fresh elections within a year's time, vowed to restore civil peace and to handover weapons to the state. "I will make sure to prepare free, fair, transparent elections within a maximum period of one year in cooperation with the UN committee in Iraq," Adnan al-Zurfi said, adding," I will work to confine arms to the hands of the state, eliminate all armed manifestations, and enforce state authority. I will also work to restore the full civil peace and joint coexistence among all whatever their variety alike and without discrimination."

Iraq names Adnan al-Zurfi as new prime minister

Iraqi Prime Minister on Tuesday said in a televised address that the security forces need only three more months to completely eliminate the Islamic State group.

The Iraqi forces launched their offensive against the IS in October. The premier had previously promised to retake the IS-held Mosul &quot;before the end of the year&quot;. The jihadists have occupied the city since June 2014.

&quot;The available data indicate that Iraq requires three months to eliminate Daesh,&quot; Haider al-Abadi told a televised news conference, referring to the jihadist group by an Arabic acronym.

Although the Iraqi forces have reconquered several parts of eastern Mosul but IS still occupies the city&#39;s west.

High-ranking officials believe that the battle against IS could drag on, and the Sunni extremist group continues to carry out attacks in areas from which it had been dislodged by the government offensive, reports AFP.

At least 23 people were killed last week in an IS triple car bombing on a market in Gogjali, east of Mosul. Gogjali was retaken after more than two years of IS occupation in early November.

(With inputs from AFP)

Previously, he had vowed that the IS-held city of Mosul would be retaken 'before the end of the year'

Iraqi Prime Minister on Tuesday said in a televised address that the security forces need only three more months to completely eliminate the Islamic State group. The Iraqi forces launched their offensive against the IS in October. The premier had previously promised to retake the IS-held Mosul "before the end of the year". The jihadists have occupied the city since June 2014. "The available data indicate that Iraq requires three months to eliminate Daesh," Haider al-Abadi told a televised news conference, referring to the jihadist group by an Arabic acronym. Although the Iraqi forces have reconquered several parts of eastern Mosul but IS still occupies the city's west. High-ranking officials believe that the battle against IS could drag on, and the Sunni extremist group continues to carry out attacks in areas from which it had been dislodged by the government offensive, reports AFP. At least 23 people were killed last week in an IS triple car bombing on a market in Gogjali, east of Mosul. Gogjali was retaken after more than two years of IS occupation in early November. (With inputs from AFP)

Iraq PM says three months needed to eliminate IS

Operations to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State group have begun, Iraq&#39;s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on state television today.

&quot;The time of victory has come and operations to liberate Mosul have started,&quot; the PM said&nbsp;in an address broadcast by the Iraqiya channel. &quot;Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh (IS),&quot; he added. 
 
He clarified that only the army and police forces will enter Mosul. &quot;The force leading liberation operations is the brave Iraqi army with the national police and they are the ones that will enter Mosul, not others.&quot;

US is providing both ground and air support to the Iraqi forces. Kurdish forces are moving in from the eastern part of the city. 
 
The offensive to reclaim the IS stronghold has been planned for months. US-backed Iraqi forces recently retook key positions around the town of Qayyarah, 60 kilometres south of Mosul, setting the stage for the final attack.

Iraq&#39;s second-largest city, Mosul, which is the last major stronghold of the Islamic State in Iraq, has been under IS-control since 2014. A successful offensive would effectively destroy the Iraqi half of Islamic State &#39;caliphate&#39;.

The fight to retake the Sunni-majority city is expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion.

IS fighters, who have a history of using civilians as human shields, have placed traps across the city, dug tunnels and recruited children as spies ahead of the offensive, Reuters had earlier reported.

The United Nations has warned that it could also create the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world, uprooting as much as 1 million people. Overstretched medical facilities in and around the city have also warned against a humanitarian disaster and the lack of adequate infrastructure to deal with it.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi made the announcement in a televised broadcast

Operations to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State group have begun, Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on state television today. "The time of victory has come and operations to liberate Mosul have started," the PM said in an address broadcast by the Iraqiya channel. "Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh (IS)," he added. He clarified that only the army and police forces will enter Mosul. "The force leading liberation operations is the brave Iraqi army with the national police and they are the ones that will enter Mosul, not others." US is providing both ground and air support to the Iraqi forces. Kurdish forces are moving in from the eastern part of the city. The offensive to reclaim the IS stronghold has been planned for months. US-backed Iraqi forces recently retook key positions around the town of Qayyarah, 60 kilometres south of Mosul, setting the stage for the final attack. Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, which is the last major stronghold of the Islamic State in Iraq, has been under IS-control since 2014. A successful offensive would effectively destroy the Iraqi half of Islamic State 'caliphate'. The fight to retake the Sunni-majority city is expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion. IS fighters, who have a history of using civilians as human shields, have placed traps across the city, dug tunnels and recruited children as spies ahead of the offensive, Reuters had earlier reported. The United Nations has warned that it could also create the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world, uprooting as much as 1 million people. Overstretched medical facilities in and around the city have also warned against a humanitarian disaster and the lack of adequate infrastructure to deal with it. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Iraq PM announces operation to 'liberate' Mosul from IS