Iraq: Boatloads of refugees fleeing Mosul fighting cross the River Tigris

Boatloads of refugees who are fleeing the fighting in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul crossed the River Tigris to reach territory held by government forces, just 10 km (6 miles) from the Al-Shora neighbourhood, Tuesday.
Last month Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the military operation to liberate the country's second largest city. IS captured Mosul in 2014 and the offensive is now spearheaded by the Iraqi army and Kurdish militia, supported by the coalition led by the United States.
Mosul is the last major city in Iraq under the control of IS, and the army has been working towards its recapture by liberating nearby towns and cutting off supply routes to the militants who remain in the city.