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WATCH: RAF Destroys Large IS Truck-Bomb Near Mosul

Footage has been released of an RAF jet using a Paveway guided bomb to destroy a large truck-bomb before it could be used by the so-called Islamic State (IS).

A Typhoon carried out the strike earlier this week, around 12.5 miles (20km) south of Mosul.

The offensive to retake the Iraqi city, held by IS since 2014 and the militants' last major Iraqi stronghold, began earlier this week.

Iraqi forces closing in on Mosul claim they have secured some 20 villages on the outskirts of the city. With a population of 1.5 million, it's the largest city under IS control.

About 4,000 to 8,000 militants are thought to be dug in while the forces assembled to drive them out are estimated at 30,000, including Iraqi Army, Kurdish and Sunni tribal fighters.

More - WATCH: US-Led Airstrike Destroys IS 'Car Bomb Factory'