Iraqi special forces launched a two-pronged assault deeper into Mosul's urban center on Friday, unleashing the most intense street battles against Islamic State militants since the offensive began nearly three weeks ago. These kinds of advances are always slow," said Iraqi special forces Cpt. Both sides opened up with small arms and mortar fire after an artillery barrage by the special forces. The Islamic State group is fighting to hold Mosul as Iraqi forces and allied Kurdish troops squeeze in from all directions with U.S.-led coalition support, mostly from airstrikes and reconnaissance. Iraqi forces have made uneven progress in closing in on the city since the operation began on Oct. 17.

Source: ABC News November 04, 2016 04:20 UTC