The Iraqi Kurdish military force called the Peshmerga fighters are preparing to lead an operation against ISIL in the northern city of Mosul. Officials say the fighters are prepared to eliminate the jihadists. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has promised to liberate Mosul from the militant group by the end of the year.

Peshmerga forces are also expected to help people escape from rebel-held areas of the city. Aid organizations say hundreds of thousands may be displaced once the operation starts. Two new camps are being established east of Mosul to accommodate the evacuees.