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Defence Ministry on high alert

Oct 18, 2016

The Defence Ministry is on high alert as more IS members are expected to flee to the Asean region in the near future.

This, as Iraqi and Kurdish forces have launched an offensive to take back the IS stronghold of Mosul.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein says should the operation succeed, IS militants are expected to return to their respective countries or head to Asean.

Over in Iraq, the offensive is entering its 2nd day with the operation said to be going very well and ahead of schedule.

However, it's unclear how long it will take to recapture the city which has been held by the militant group for the past 2 years.

Meanwhile, the UN has warned that the battle may overwhelm emergency services as around 700,000 civilians could be affected.

Photo credit: CNN