Iraqi jets dropped leaflets over Mosul telling residents that militants of the so-called ’Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’ (ISIL) takfiri group would soon be driven from the northern city.

Iraqi jets dropped leaflets over Mosul telling residents that militants of the so-called 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) takfiri group would soon be driven from the northern city, saying details of the operation would be broadcast on a new radio station.

The city has been under ISIL control since it occupied it in June last year, sweeping through most of Iraq's provinces towards Baghdad.

The  government promised a military offensive to retake Mosul but progress has been slow.

"The solution, with God's help, is close," said the leaflets, which were issued in the name of the Iraqi army and were dropped over Mosul on Friday. "Your armed forces are at the gate, cooperate with them."

The leaflets also promised a new radio station, Mosul FM, would start broadcasting soon and urged residents to carry a small radio with them at all times to receive instructions about the battle for Mosul.