Iraqi forces launch assault on last IS bastion of al-Qaim

<p><br></p><p>Iraqi forces have launched an offensive to recapture the last bastion of so-called Islamic State in the country.</p><p>Soldiers, police, Sunni tribesmen and mostly Shia paramilitary fighters are taking part in the assault on al-Qaim and Rawa, in the Euphrates river valley close to the border with Syria.</p><p>The prime minister told IS militants to "choose between death and surrender".</p><p>The jihadists still control part of the Euphrates valley in the neighbouring Syrian province of Deir al-Zour.</p>