Iraqi offensive to retake Mosul could begin within hours

U.S.-backed Iraqi special forces are prepared to enter ISIS-controlled Mosul within "a matter of hours," Iraq's counter-terrorism chief confirmed Monday. "The soldiers of the Counterterrorism Force are advancing very fast. I wouldn't say a matter of days but matter of hours before advancing and [to] start cleansing the city of Mosul from terrorism," General Talib Shegati said, as reported by CNN. Mosul has been an ISIS stronghold for two years, and its recapture would mean the militants would be...