The Iraqi army and its allies have begun an offensive to drive ISIL fighters out of the most populated western area of Mosul.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi made the announcement during his appearance in Munich for an international security conference.
Just a month ago - Iraqi troops took control of the eastern side of Mosul -- the last ISIL stronghold in Iraq.
Government forces are expected to target the city's airport first during this new phase.
It's located at the southern edge, to the west of the Tigris river, which divides the city.
Western Mosul is where the old city centre is located.
Commanders say the battle may prove to be more difficult than in the east, because tanks and armoured vehicles cannot pass through its narrow streets.
ISIL fighters have also developed a network of passageways and tunnels that could aid their defence.
How challenging will the offensive be? And what will it take to re-gain full control of Mosul?
Presenter: Sami Zeidan
Guests:
Ahmed Rushdi - director of the House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation
Judit Neurink - journalist based in Erbil and Author of 'The War of ISIS: On the Road to the Caliphate'
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