Iraqi forces take control of the last major road out of western Mosul

   Iraqi forces are reported to have taken control of the last major road out of western Mosul, preventing Islamic State, IS, militants from fleeing the city.

   According to reports,  the highway was cut near the village of Badush, about 10km away.
   The route leads to Tal Afar, another IS stronghold that is 40km further west.
   Government forces already control the east of Mosul and they began an assault aimed at capturing the west last month.
    Meanwhile, they have driven militants from the international airport, a military base, a power station and a number of residential areas, according to the military.