Iraqi Gains Against Islamic State In Mosul

Iraqi forces are continuing to make advances against so-called Islamic State in Mosul.

The militant group have been surrounded after military forces opened a new front in the northwestern part of the city.

They will be joined by further troops moving into Mosul from the south.

Colonel John Dorrian, spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, said:

"I know that the Iraqi security forces are confident of their ability to finish the enemy, in place in Mosul, very soon."

It is seven months since troops, backed by the US-led coalition, launched the offensive to retake the city of Mosul back from IS.

Iraqi forces had been struggling to push IS fighters out of a cluster of areas in the western part of Mosul that mark the last patch of significant urban terrain the group holds in the country.

Fighting now consists of intense urban combat, and civilians are frequently caught in the crossfire.

It follows discussions between Iraq and US to keep American troops in the country after the offensive against IS is completed.