BAGHDAD — Forces are converging from all directions to expel the Islamic State (IS) from the strategic city of Mosul in Iraq. Some troops are within 5 miles of the city, officials report, while others are making their way through many areas of Ninevah province that are still under IS control.

The military operation will cover a broad area, including al-Hadr, al-Baaj, al-Shura, Hammam al-Alil, Tal Afar, al-Mahlabiyah, Tal Abtah, Hamidat, Nimrud, Hamdania, Bartila, Tal Kaif, al-Ayadiyah and al-Qahtaniya.

So far, more than 1,000 square kilometers (almost 400 square miles) containing more than 70 villages in Ninevah province have been liberated, and some Iraqi joint forces are on Mosul's outskirts. The joint forces are fighting on more than one axis and advancing from various points around the city.

Southern axis: This axis launched from Qayyarah base, which was recently liberated. The forces participating include the troops of Ninevah Operations Command, federal police forces, SWAT team forces and the 15th Division forces. US artillery stationed at Qayyarah base behind the troops is providing support. This axis aims to liberate the east side of Mosul after controlling al-Shura, Hammam al-Alil and Mosul airport. This axis started from the point farthest from the center of Mosul, 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) away.