Mosul, Iraq (BBN) - Iraqi security forces have launched an attack on Mosul airport, a key part of the government's offensive to drive so-called Islamic State (IS) militants from the western half of the city.
They also stormed a nearby military camp, state TV said, reports BBC.
It follows air strikes by the US-led coalition.
The runway has already been destroyed by IS, but seizing such a large site would help the Iraqi army control southern routes into Mosul.
Eastern Mosul was retaken last month.
Battle for Mosul: The story so far
A military spokesman told Iraqia TV that security forces were carrying out the raids on the airport and al-Ghazlani military base simultaneously to "distract" IS.
The airport and the al-Ghazlani base are on Mosul's southern outskirts on the western side of the Tigris river.
More than 160,000 people have fled their homes in and around the city.
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