Iraqi forces begin offensive against Islamic State in Mosul

The Isis-controlled city of Mosul in Northern Iraq was under siege on Monday as Iraqi military forces combined with members of the Kurdish Peshmerga in a bid to reclaim the city.

The offensive has been planned for months, and was announced to the Iraqi people via the prime minister on state television on Monday morning.

The so-called Islamic State has taken over large areas of Iraq and Syria during a long-running conflict, and there are an estimated 4,000-8,000 fighters defending the city against the 30,000 pro-government forces.

Prime minister Haider al-Abadi said on Monday that he hoped to defeat Isis sooner rather than later.

"We have been battling Isis for more than two years," he said. "We started fighting Isis in the outskirts of Baghdad, and thank God we are now fighting them in the outskirts of Mosul, and God willing the decisive battle will be soon."

The city has been under control of the "caliphate" for the last two years, and al-Abadi has promised that it will be liberated.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake," he said.

Firing began on Monday in the outskirts of the city, and now tanks from the Iraqi and Kurd forces are making their way towards the city.

Special forces from the USA, Britain and France are also on the ground advising the forces and will be available to call in airstrikes to the city.

Iraq's second largest city is seen as vital in the conflict in the country, and has been surrounded by the 30,000-strong forces for the last number of days.