Iraq forces retake key town on Mosul southern front

Iraqi forces retook a key town from the Islamic State group today, a crucial objective on the southern front of the offensive to wrest back the city of Mosul.

Federal police, army and elite interior ministry forces established full control over Hamam al-Alil, the last town of note on the way to Mosul from the south, AFP reporters said.

It lies on the west bank of the Tigris river, about 15 kilometres southeast of the southern edge of Mosul.