Iraqi soldiers fire mortar shells towards Islamic State positions, in Shayyalah al-Imam near Mosul, Iraq December 5, 2016. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Western-backed Iraqi forces have begun shelling parts of west Mosul, residents said, in preparation for a new front against Islamic State seven weeks into a difficult campaign to drive the militants from the city.
Federal police forces, stationed a few miles south of Mosul, on the west bank of the Tigris River that divides the city, have long said they aim to advance towards the airport on the southwestern edge.
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