Iraqi forces say they have launched an offensive to clear the desert bordering Syria of so-called Islamic State (IS).
Army, police and paramilitary units are advancing into areas of Salahuddin, Nineveh and Anbar provinces that form part of a region known as al-Jazira.
The operation comes days after Iraqi forces recaptured Rawa, the last Iraqi town controlled by the jihadist group.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said he will announce “the final defeat” of IS once it is routed in the desert.
