Four Iraqi security personnel were killed and nine others injured in three terror attacks on security checkpoints, according to initial counting.

Two booby-trapped cars targeted two security checkpoints near al Khales town, while the third attack was carried out by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-packed vehicle.

The attacks took place as Iraqi forces spearheaded operations to restore western Mosul.

Earlier in the day, Iraqi security forces launched an attack on Mosul airport, a key part of the government's offensive to drive so-called Daesh militants from the western half of the city.

They also stormed the nearby al-Ghazlani military camp, where fierce clashes were under way.

The runway has already been destroyed by Daesh, but seizing such a large site would help the Iraqi army control southern routes into Mosul.

The airport and the al-Ghazlani base are on Mosul's southern outskirts on the western side of the Tigris river.

Source: MENA