Iraqi forces launched an operation on Thursday to clear the desert bordering Syria of Islamic State, a final campaign to rid Iraq of the militant group, the military said in a statement.

Iraqi forces launch operation to clear desert bordering Syria of Islamic State

Ashton Carter will meet commanders from the 60-nation coalition and is also due to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi

US defence secretary in Iraq to discuss Mosul offensive

Around 30,000 troops from the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters are expected to take part in the offensive

Mosul offensive: Iraq launches 'long-awaited' battle, UN says 'extremely concerned for 1.5 million civilians'?

Ashton Carter's visit come 2 days after Iraq announced recapture of a base south of Mosul, seen as an important step

Pentagon chief visits Baghdad to step up fight against Islamic State

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered changes to Baghdad security measures in response to the bombing and vowed to punish the perpetrators

Iraq mourns victims of Baghdad car bombing

Government fighters recapture the last district held by Islamic State in the city

Battle over, say Iraqi forces in Fallujah